The Great Re-Energizer
“Leadership is about unleashing other people’s energy.” Paul Pohlman
Years ago I was brought into a company that was growing exponentially. Talent was assessed and they were cranking on all competencies that one would want in leaders: organized; strategic; and driven.
The only problem: they were all sucking the energy out of the room.
I was instantly reminded of a story I heard Jack Welch share about a leader, he said great leaders have the ability to execute, they have energy, they energize others and (drumroll for those know how much I love this word) they have an edge.
And then they asked me the big question: what was my definition of energy leadership? For a moment I was stumped. I’d never considered where and how leaders get their energy, so I just blurted out, “Oh I don’t know what it means: mind, body and spirit.”
They loved it. And honestly so did I.
Sometimes the simplest answer is the best answer.
That meeting set me off on a journey working with leaders at every level reminding them that paying attention to their own energy and unleashing and caring for the energy of their teams and colleagues is critical component of leadership.
This is especially true in the wake of the global pandemic.
Despite all the calls for reimagining the workplace we also have to reimagine leaders in the workplace especially, how they preserve their energy and how they instill it in those they wish to impact, serve, and lead.
Leaders who take the time to energize themselves focus on mind, body and spirit in many ways. The simplest include:
Mind: Consider taking time to be thoughtful every day. No, not thinking you do that all day every day, but thoughtful time to consider lessons learned, opportunities to be taken, and just to be mindful.
Body: Be aware of how your body language affects others – yes, our energy is even reflected in how we sit. Oh and if you’ve been siting all day: move.
Spirit: Take the time to recognize others and be grateful for what they have contributed.
And the same is true to energize your team or colleagues. Instead of a Zoom meeting – do a phone call while you all walk. Find a way to gather in person to recognize and celebrate accomplishments Or, give people back their time by cancelling or shortening a meeting that’s just an update.
Leadership is about many things – but in the end leaders who pay attention to energy, their own, and others, will always have committed followers. Instead of focusing on the great resignation let’s instead focus on the great re-energizing of our leadership and see what happens.