How One Maximizing Mantra Can Shift Your Team’s Energy Instantly

Culture produces energy in one way or another.

Traditional thinking suggests that positive energy stems from results. While this isn't entirely wrong, energy can be generated well before results are achieved—through the power of a Maximizing Mantra.

Some of the world’s best leaders, who are no more talented or skilled than you, have harnessed what I call a Maximizing Mantra, which is a simple phrase that encapsulates a big idea, transforming the energy of their team. The reason this is so powerful? Great leaders know that one person or idea can completely shift the energy in a team or an entire organization.

One person or idea can completely change the energy of a team or a room.

Real-Life Examples of Maximizing Mantras

One of the most well-known Maximizing Mantras is college football coach P.J. Fleck’s “Row the Boat.” This phrase helped turn an overlooked Western Michigan football team into a powerhouse, and later, it fueled the University of Minnesota's success.

Fleck's "Row the Boat" embodies three elements:

• The Oar – The energy and work ethic you bring.
• The Boat – The sacrifices made by team members, administration, and fans.
• The Compass – The vision and direction of the program.

By combining these ideas into a single phrase, Fleck created a mantra that became a cultural movement, not just a slogan.

Maximizing Mantras aren’t exclusive to sports. When Tyler Yancey became the Head Golf Professional at Pinehurst Resort brand-new Course #10, he faced a monumental task: hiring, training, and establishing a winning culture in just a few months before one of the biggest course launches in Pinehurst history.

Rather than leaving it to chance, Yancey created a unique Maximizing Mantra that embraced the course’s lack of a traditional clubhouse: “No Walls, All Smiles.”

The mantra became a rallying cry. Instead of lamenting what was missing, the team leaned into world-class customer service, making the experience for guests feel just as intentional and extraordinary as a venue with a lavish clubhouse.

Feel the Energy Shift

Now, imagine being a player on P.J. Fleck’s team or a team member of Tyler Yancey’s at Pinehurst. Feel that jolt of energy. That’s culture coming to life. Which I defined in Building the Best as the shared values and beliefs that guide thinking and behavior.

Now, take that energy and pour it into your own team.

Create Your Maximizing Mantra

Pete Angstadt , a phenomenal sales leader at Ping Identity, introduced a powerful visual mantra at his company’s annual kickoff event in Orlando: “To 1 Billion and Beyond.”

Dressed in space gear and custom shoes, he used this phrase to rally partners and employees to reach new heights in 2025. This wasn’t just a catchy slogan, it was a commitment to a bigger vision that requires relentless execution from many people.

You might think Pete’s example is unique to sales, but it’s not. You might think it's corny, but it's not. It is just an example of great leadership because it leaves clues.

Great leadership leaves clues

Whether you’re a manager, supervisor, or executive, part of your role is to inspire and energize your team. A Maximizing Mantra is one of the simplest yet most effective tools to create clarity, motivation, and momentum.

Find a simple phrase that encapsulates a big idea, and you can quickly create energy in yourself or your team that didn’t exist before.

Some of My Favorite Mantras:

• Row the Boat
• Move the Needle
• To 1 Billion and Beyond
• Run This Town
• Takes No Talent
• 5-Star Effort
• Make America Great Again (Regardless of your political affiliation, it works)

Whether you create your own or collaborate with your team, your mantra should be:

1. Clear – Easy to understand and remember.
2. Action-Oriented – Inspires movement and momentum.
3. Fun – Something your team can rally around and take pride in.

Once you have it, don’t let it be a one-time mention. Put it on walls, t-shirts, company communications, and use it daily. Keep it in the forefront of your team’s minds and hearts.

Closing

Now is not the time to wait for results before creating energy in your team or organization. You must manufacture it. A Maximizing Mantra is your tool to ignite that spark.

The only thing standing between you and a culture fueled by energy is a little creativity and courage.

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About the Author: John Eades is the CEO of LearnLoft and The Sales Infrastructure. He was named one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices. John is also the author of Building the Best: 8 Proven Leadership Principles to Elevate Others to Success. You can follow him on Instagram @johngeades.