There is an energy crisis very few people are talking about. It is not gas or oil or coal. It is one that is occurring inside organizations and that involves both physical and psychic energy. It happens as organizations have hunkered down, reorganized, shed staff, automated and off-shored. Productivity gains have occurred – not so much from new technology but from long workdays on fewer and fewer staff. As a result, employees of all levels are doing more with less.
As I work across a variety of organizations, I see people who are never caught up, can’t get it all done, are always dropping balls and making tough decisions about what to focus on. The net result of this is fatigue. And with fatigue comes lower levels of productivity. It is a downward spiral. The more we work, the more exhausted we become. The more exhausted we are, the less effective our efforts are and the more we need to work. And so it goes…
In these situations we often look to sources for energy that are self-defeating over time. Caffeine, alcohol, fear, sheer determination, threats…. What if we had a way to re-generate our own personal source of energy, and that of our team? Then we could re-energize and show up with life rather than lethargy.
I recently came across these flashlights which work by turning a crank, rather than batteries. I must admit that I had a sense of childish delight when I found them. How amazing, to turn the crank 30 or 40 times and then have a steady stream of intense light! I was amazed at the simple design which solved the age-old problem of energy by engineering an internal way to self-renew.
So it got me thinking – what do we need to do to regenerate our own personal energy? And what do leaders need to do to regenerate the energy of their teams? Let’s start with individuals.
Leaders not only have to maintain their own energy, they also exert a huge influence on the energy of their team. I’ve worked with both kinds of leaders: those who created great momentum and energy, and others who could sap the energy from the Energizer Bunny in 10 seconds flat.
Leaders need to be especially conscious of energy – as their “shadow” is long. I had an “aha” moment many years ago when I realized, during a period of great uncertainty and challenge at work, just how my negativity was bringing down my team. I vowed to come in positive every day – and immediately saw the entire attitude of the team turn around. We had more energy, we felt better, we did better work faster and we had more fun. And all I did was set an intention to be positive as a leader and to stop complaining.
There are a host of leadership actions that either build or sap energy. Work that is delegated clearly and challenges someone builds confidence and energy. Poorly delegated work adds to already heavy burdens. Being recognized, even in a small way, is a huge energy boost. Toiling day after day after day after day with no one noticing is grueling, frustrating and arduous.
What’s the level of energy on your team? Can you do something to generate more energy? Can you put something in place that helps you regenerate over and over and over again?
| For Individuals | |
| Generates Energy | Depletes Long-Term Energy |
| Regular exercise | Caffeine and stimulants |
| Working with a sense of purpose | Feeling stuck or uninspired |
| Disconnecting for a set period of time | Too much rest |
| Appropriate Challenges | Too few or too many challenges |
| Healthy Food | High carb, high sugar/fat meals/highly processed food |
| Positive, optimistic people | Negative, pessimistic people |
| Deep Breathing | Shallow breathing, smoking |
| Hydration | Alcohol or depressants |
| Do less, remove things from the “to do” list | Trying to please everyone, striving for perfection |
| Laughter | Negativity and victim talk |
| For Leaders | |
| Generates Energy | Depletes Long-Term Energy |
| Compelling purpose | Lack of Direction |
| Challenging, but achievable goals | Fuzzy or non-existent goals |
| Clear expectations | Lack of accountability |
| Celebrating small wins | Lack of recognition |
| Being positive and optimistic | Not providing feedback or direction |
| Rewarding accomplishments | Complaining and whining |
| Coaching for high performance | Abdication or blaming |
| Appropriate delegation | Micromanaging or lack of direction |
| Injecting some fun and humor in the workday | Environment of high stress and pressure to perform |
One Response
Great post! “I see people who are never caught up, can’t get it all done, are always dropping balls and making tough decisions about what to focus on.” When you view time management as a method of maintaining your energy levels, you can focus on priorities that energize you as well. BTW, I’d add “Offer words of encouragement” to the list. Sewing seeds into others recharges your batteries and theirs. I posted your list on my wall. Thanks! Think I’ll go have a big cup of water.