No Energy - No Leadership

Posted on August 04, 2009 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.

In his book, “Level Three Leadership” James Clawson writes, “Leadership is about managing energy, first in yourself, and then in those around you.  When you walk into an organization, you can tell quickly what the energy level is – and therefore the quality of the leadership in the place.  If the energy is low, the leadership is likely to be weak.”

Dr. Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz agree, writing “Managing energy, not time, is the key to enduring high performance as well as to health, happiness, and life balance…”

Many people have good ideas, but have such low inventories of energy that nothing much happens with those ideas.  And from a leaders perspective, if you cannot generate the energy needed to intently focus on your own goals and dreams, how can you expect to be able to focus the energy of those you lead?

** So where does “leadership energy” come from?  What are the sources that create an inflow of energy into a leader’s life?

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A leader creates, and manages, their energy by focusing on 4 key areas

:

1)

Their Dreams

~ The Bible says that without a vision, the people will perish.  Well this is true in our personal lives as well – without a clearly defined and articulated dream, our lives will slowly start to dry up and shrivel.  But a clearly defined dream will untap reservoirs of energy we never knew existed.

2)

Their Core

~  Without a healthy and centered core – or a healthy inner spirit – our lives will exist in a continual state of inner unrest.

A strong inner core is built upon

: Having clarified the specific values and purpose that our lives and actions will be founded upon (and then aligning our lives to that purpose and values.); Having come to peace with who we are, and how we have been created; And finally, by honestly discerning (and admitting) in what ways we are “broken” – or where we personally need inner psychological or spiritual healing – then, place ourselves on a path that will eventually bring healing to those areas of brokenness.

3)

Their Health & Diet

~ Amazingly, exercise gives you more energy than it uses. Moderate exercise, like a 30-minute walk is refreshing and energizing. Eating healthy foods like more fruits, vegetables and whole grains – instead of fat and sugar – creates energy as well.  Simple… Your body runs better with the proper kind of fuel.

4)

Protecting Their Faith

~ The Bible states that, “according to your faith, so will it be done unto you” (Matthew 9:29).  “Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared to believe that something inside of them was superior to circumstance” – Bruce Barton.  A compelling faith creates energy (and passion) out of thin air… believe it or not.

** Great leaders are stewards of their own, and their organization’s energy. They begin by carefully managing their own energy, while also mobilizing, focusing, investing, channeling, renewing and expanding the energy of those around them toward a common and preferred future.

** How has your energy management been lately – both in yourself, and in those you lead?