Go Boldly: A Different Kind of Energy Audit

We’ve all had quite a year.

In my conversations with CEOs, some admit that they and their organizations feel drained. Others tell me they feel hopeful about the prospects for a less-tumultuous 2021. As this year comes to a close and many are thinking about next year’s strategy and budgets, it’s also a good time to take an inventory of personal priorities, including what keeps us motivated and productive.  

We all can reboot and sustain a high level of energy necessary to navigate our businesses through whatever happens next.

Energy management is particularly critical at times of high stress. It also is invaluable for dealing with uncertainty. As leaders, we now have less-predictable signposts. We need to stay agile and nimble, which requires more stamina.

Some have given me valuable advice that “it all starts with sleep” and “it all starts with good exercise.” In additional to physical priorities, mental energy also matters.

One thing that works for me is to think in terms of my portfolio of business activities that create energy, compared with those that use energy. For example, I’ve always found spending time with clients and our people to be sources of energy.  Collaborating with creative people never fails to inspire and motivate me. It’s the same with cracking multifaceted strategy problems or tackling product and purpose initiatives. I always feel stimulated when we innovate to create more value for our clients, our teams and our communities. On the other hand, working through detailed policy choices must be done, but may take energy rather than create energy.

Why not spend more hours on energy-creating activities and less time on those that use energy? We know we can’t just ignore certain priorities. But we can consider how our teammates’ talents and sources of energy complement ours.

Here’s a basketball analogy. Steph Curry and Draymond Green of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors are both basketball savants who understand what all five players on their team should be doing on any given play. And while both can excel at defense and offense, Draymond understands his core role is to anchor the defense and rebound while Steph as the point guard is anchoring the offense, including leading it himself with outside shooting. (I acknowledge this example works better when the team isn’t injured and finishes in last place, but you get the point.) In your business world team, having players who are good at different aspects of the game and gain energy from their roles makes the team so much stronger and allows the team to play with more joy. For example, some CEOs tell me how much they value a good CFO who relishes leading the resource-allocation process while they themselves are much more energized by setting firm strategy and inspiring the broad workforce.

Know what gives you the most energy.

In addition to maintaining a balanced portfolio of activities, the CEOs who do the best job of injecting energy into their organization also clearly know what makes them good leaders. Our research on leadership suggests that inspirational leaders don’t follow one formula. For some, empathy is a key strength that propelled them to the top. For others, it’s their optimism or openness or empowerment. Or they’re inspiring because of their vision and their ability to create a compelling ambition that builds confidence and commitment. Most have a set of strengths that add up to a personal brand that’s both inspirational and successful. In the best of all worlds, an inspirational leader can attract a diverse team that addresses all the company needs to accomplish, while creating net-positive energy. That’s the dream: a self-sustaining power source.

As 2020 wraps up, it’s a great time to take stock of your strengths as a leader―where you excel and feel energized―and resolve to double down on them while encouraging your team members to focus on their own strengths.

Finally, think about the people who energize you. Who challenges you to think differently? Who motivates you with their enthusiasm, insights and dedication? Make a commitment to spend more time with them.

As we prepare for the year ahead, what better gift to give our companies, our families and ourselves than the ability to lead with wisdom, passion and the energy to inspire others to do the same?