Five Secrets of High-Energy Leaders
“The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves.” Ray Kroc
We’ve all heard the saying, “Lead by example”, but where most leaders flounder is by not realizing what example they are actually setting for their team. No leader ever sets out to be a bad example for his or her employees—it simply happens due to the leader’s personal mindset.
When we talk about high-energy leaders, we’re not talking about the boss who walks into the office highly caffeinated and offering high-fives left and right. Yes, that’s one type of energy, but it’s not the type we’re talking about. The energy we’re referring to is based on iPEC’s teachings on the seven levels of leadership (and this helpful book), and ranges from catabolic levels (victim mentality and conflict mentality) to more healthy anabolic levels that promote cooperation, sharing and freedom from judgment.
What many leaders don’t realize is that the levels of energy (and their corresponding mindsets) they are seeing in their employees are usually a direct result of their own personal energy they’re bringing to the office each and every day. If you want a team that works well together, sees opportunity in every challenge and is consistently working toward bigger and better goals, you need to make sure you’re modeling high energy to them as consistently as possible. Here are five secrets that the best leaders know—and live by!
High Energy Leaders Don’t Hide From Conflict Did you ever have a boss who seemed to go into hiding whenever things got a little heated in the office? A leader who does not acknowledge or deal with confrontation is a leader who is telling his team, “I don’t care enough to face this issue.” When conflict happens, a high-energy leader addresses it head-on and tries to find a solution that is best for everyone involved (including the company as a whole).
High Energy Leaders Treat Everyone Like They Matter The best leaders are the ones who show that every single person in the company—from the Vice President down to the janitor—are important to the success of the business. They know everyone’s names and really listen when they talk. They treat each and every employee with respect and consideration, and they get the same treatment back.
High Energy Leaders Know There is Always a Choice It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking there is no choice in a situation. Leaders who believe that they have no choice but to fire the salesperson who isn’t making any sales, to downsize because the budget has been cut or to forego the company Christmas party to save money are displaying catabolic (negative) energy. High-energy leaders know there is always a choice—they just have to be ready to deal with the consequences of that choice.
High Energy Leaders Don’t Take Things Personally A high-energy leader knows that people react to situations (and act OUT) based on their own mindsets and that rarely are these reactions caused by them. Instead of taking things personally and getting defensive, a high-energy leader listens carefully and then tries to guide employees in a more beneficial direction. High energy leaders simply do not play the blame game and they don’t let their employees do so either.
High Energy Leaders Don’t Try to Keep Emotions Out of the Workplace The best leaders are the ones who really care about their businesses and their employees and, here’s the key, SHOW IT. While most leaders care very much about the team they’ve built, they get caught up in trying to appear strong and in control and, as a result, leave employees wondering where they really stand. A high-energy leader is never afraid to express what they are feeling—especially if it directly affects those they lead.
Being a high-energy leader creates numerous opportunities in the workplace and makes for an engaged, committed team. Take a few pointers from the best leaders and start modeling the energy you want to see in your business!
Trish Cody has over 18 years of experience consulting with some of the world’s top Fortune 500 Companies. Today, as an ICF and iPEC Certified Coach and Energy Leadership Master Practitioner, Trish works with clients to uncover their core values and beliefs, clearly see how they are showing up in their behaviors and impacting their success, and to shift their thinking to naturally attract positivity and success. For more information, visit www.TrishCody.com.
