The Idea: Who constantly sucks the energy right out of you? We used to live in a world emphasizing time management, but I believe the better question is: “who steals your energy?” Our energy is finite, vital to creativity, and demands boundaries. Not everyone values nor deserves your energy.
Do you protect your energy?
A recent Boston Consulting Group article authored by Roselinde Torres, Peter Tollma, Susie Grehl, and Eva Sage -Gavin argues that: “CEO’s who harness energy accelerate value creation, while those who deplete energy or allow it to dissipate struggle to achieve their goals.”
Your energy is the lifeblood that sets the tone for every encounter and it’s the influence that runs through any organization. Energy is not a thermometer measuring temperature, it’s a thermostat that sets the temperature and tone for a group. Energy animates a culture and everyone within it. What does the research say about energy?
- It’s Contagious. Whatever your energy level, it’s deposited onto others. It leaves an imprint and an impact. Want to decipher the energy of a team? Look at the leader. Are you aware of how others receive your energy? All leaders are (for lack of a better term) Chief Energy Officers imbuing either anxiety or calmness in times of stress.
- It’s a Force for Creation. It allows people to better engage with each other. The research shows that positive energy encourages risk taking, greater productivity, purpose and invigoration, momentum, and adaptability, while expanding everyone’s capacities. It is the ultimate growth mindset.
- It’s Choreography. We must deliberately protect (and map) our energy by taking control of our calendar. If you are not building in energy recovery activities throughout the day or setting healthy boundaries (especially when traveling), you are losing energy and don’t even know it. Are you leaking energy by allowing others to zap you? What are your daily rituals that disperse stress?
How do you evaluate energy drain?
Tony Schwartz, an expert on energy management, asks the question “are you headed for an energy crisis?” His teachings emphasize becoming aware of moments that drain you, while installing and staying committed to rituals that replenish your personal energy.
- What are your stress triggers?
- Who are your energy bandits?
- Who rightly deserves your best energy?
Who says meetings must go on for hours to be productive? The research says longer meetings are poorer meetings. Schwartz recommends practicing shorter (more impactful) meetings and allowing people to get home early and renew themselves. Are you strong enough to take his advice?
What is your sweet spot for peak performance? Once you understand it, commit to creating an environment where it occurs more often. Multi-tasking is still the biggest lie in business today. It steals your energy, damages your relationships, hinders your focus and limits opportunities to go deeper with a subject. Practice narrowing your focus, one task at a time.
Schwartz reminds us all “each of us has a finite reservoir of energy in any given day.” It’s a natural resource; protect it.
