Leadership Power You Cannot Overlook in Energy Sector: Council Discussion
Universe's primary force is energy. Everything we perceive, touch, or feel is a manifestation of this energy, with atoms vibrating at different frequencies, forming our physical and intangible realities. Yet, we rarely ponder about the energy we bring to our leadership roles and its far-reaching effects on our followers.
Our Energy Shapes Our Outcome
Our energy not only defines us but also shapes our results, relationships, and legacy. Leadership is not just about tasks but also about the personal character we exhibit while we perform them. Organizations invest heavily in culture, which is essentially the collective energy of a group.
You've probably come across the phrase "Leaders set the weather." Entering a room, our energy alters it, positively or negatively. The only concern is: What type of climate are you creating? Positive energy inspires innovation and trust, while negative energy breeds stress and apathy.
If culture represents an organization's collective energy, then leadership acts as its source. Which weather are you generating today?
The Hidden Cost of Drained Energy
Recently, my husband, a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, arrived home drained after a day filled with traumatic childhood stories shared by patients. He asked me how I cope with the emotional energy of my clients, who often share deeply personal experiences. I explained a practice I learned early in my career, when I was a young executive coach.
During an advanced coaching program in Maine, an experienced, elderly coach questioned me on how to protect myself from the energy of clients. I didn't understand her at first. She shared how if we do not consciously shield ourselves, we may inadvertently absorb the energy of those we work with, an occupational hazard for any leader or coach.
The next day, she introduced me to a straightforward yet powerful technique: visualizing a protective, radiant white light surrounding us. She guided me to extend this light outward, about three feet in all directions, creating a protective personal space of peace, strength, and grounding. At first, it felt unusual, but I immediately perceived a significant lightness and centering.
Although asked if listening to clients all day is exhausting, I always respond that it's far from draining. Instead, I feel more motivated and energized at the end of each session, witnessing my clients' resilience, breakthroughs, and courage.
Maintaining healthy boundaries, including quality sleep, healthy eating, exercise, time in nature, and white light visualization, ensures that I am fully present for my clients while preserving my own vitality.
Oprah Winfrey emphasized the necessity of protecting one's energy when she stated, "All life is energy, and we transmit it at every instant, like radio frequencies. The world responds to us in kind." If someone as successful as Oprah believes in this practice, why shouldn't we as leaders do the same?
Managing energy—our own and that of others—is not a luxury but an essential leadership skill. Neglecting proper boundaries can leave us depleted, ineffective, and disconnected.
The Energy We Absorb—And Release
We intuitively realize the essence of energy.
- Who motivates us?
- Who exhausts us?
Everyone has encountered "energy leeches"—individuals whose negativity depletes our vitality. Conversely, some individuals stimulate and invigorate us.
As leaders, we must inquire:
- Do we encourage or discourage others?
- Are we fostering an atmosphere where people flourish or merely survive?
If you feel drained post-work, it might not be merely the workload—it could be the low energy of your colleagues or a reflection of how you've been acting.
Ways to Guard and Enhance Your Energy
Managing our energy is crucial in our role. How can you safeguard and elevate yours? Some effective strategies include:
1. Adopt a routine.
Rituals like the white light visualization, morning meditation, prayer, or setting ambitions can create emotional boundaries, protecting you from any excessive energy of those you interact with during the day.
2. Select your circle wisely.
Surround yourself with individuals who inspire and uplift you, limiting your time with those who drain you.
3. Prioritize self-care.
Rest, proper nutrition, exercise, and spending time in nature fulfills the basic mental health requirements needed to maintain energy levels.
4. Analyze your influence.
Regularly question: What energy am I contributing to my team? Are you boosting or inadvertently contributing negativity or unnecessary pressure?
5. Practice gratitude.
Gratitude instantly shifts energy. Begin your day with this daily morning practice to set a positive start.
Leading with Life-Giving Energy
Leadership is inherently energetic. Whether consciously or not, our energy influences everything, from a meeting's mood to an organization's culture, given our heightened position and influence in the room as senior leaders. Mastering and maintaining the right energy is one of the most potent tools our leaders have to drive impact and change.
In today's rapidly evolving information era, managing energy isn't an option, it's crucial. When you step into a room, ponder: What environment should I set forth? Your energy doesn't just impact that room; it molds the culture, performance, and lives of the people you oversee as a leader.
Your leadership acts as the compass, guiding energy towards its proper purpose. Leverage it wisely today.
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The Impact of Leaders' Energy on Followers
The energy that leaders bring to their roles significantly influences their followers. Susanne Biro, a renowned leadership expert, emphasizes that leaders set the tone for their teams and organizations, either inspiring positivity or spreading negativity.
The Role of Biro's Books in Energy Management
Biro's books, such as "When I Grow Up, I Want to Be Me" and "Lead Like You Mean It!", provide valuable insights into how leaders can harness their energy to create meaningful impacts. Her work encourages leaders to be authentic, mindful, and intentional, which in turn can empower their teams.
