Leadership Thought #222 – Your Energy Level Matters
Leaders cannot be low-energy people – it is that simple. When you walk into a room, the energy level should automatically pick up. When you meet someone who is low energy, your own positive energy should be infectious. Success at anything requires action. You must maintain unwavering focus and persevere through the inevitable obstacles and distractions. When others say “no” or “this is too hard,” you must be able to say “yes” and encourage them to move forward anyway. In leadership, it’s crucial to set an example for others to follow.
Years ago, when I was an undergraduate, I had a banquet server job at a very prestigious concert hall. I frequently had the privilege of witnessing numerous renowned and skilled individuals, both in public and occasionally behind the scenes. It was amazing how different they were, but the best ones all had one thing in common: being around them picked you up. When they smiled, others around them automatically smiled in response. They intuitively knew what it meant to perform in front of an audience. They looked people in the eye and made them feel important. They stepped up to the plate and made the moment special.
Regardless of one’s feelings about his politics, it is undeniable that when Bill Clinton enters a room, the energy level increases. I was once at the other end of a large banquet hall, and you could feel the environment change the moment he entered the room – it was quite powerful. Obviously, everyone is not Bill Clinton or holds an elite position in their field. Some people are just blessed with special charisma and instinctual leadership ability. However, each of us can pay more attention to our own energy levels and how we are affecting others.
Leaders don’t have the luxury of being low-key or down in front of their employees, partners, or colleagues. This is particularly relevant during challenging times, when individuals tend to concentrate on the negative aspects of life. To lead means taking responsibility for advancing a cause and uniting a group of people around a shared purpose. If your message and delivery style don’t resonate with your audience, you won’t perform your job effectively. You cannot be a low-energy messenger and expect a high-energy response. People need to want to follow you, not just line up behind you because of your title.
Related articles
- 9 Tips To Boost Your Energy Naturally (health.harvard.edu)
- 10 Ways To Boost Your Energy in 10 Minutes or Less (wedmd.com)
- To Increase Your Self-Control, Boost Your Energy Level. (happiness-project.com)
