Leadership = Energy

Leadership = Energy

Many have attempted to define leadership over time, and that definition evolves as our concepts of leadership evolve with technical advances, and societal norms and expectations.

Early definitions may have focused simply on results, and others have defined it in terms of? “influence.”

Kevin Kruse wrote in this Forbes article that “Leadership is a process of social influence, which maximizes the efforts of others, toward the achievement of a goal.”

Pretty good, right? But where does self-leadership come into play?

At the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC), where I certified as a professional coach, leadership was defined as, “the ability to inspire and motivate others, as well as yourself, to take life-changing action to create extraordinary results that last.”

I maintain that each and every one of us is a leader, and how well we lead depends on our level of consciousness, self-awareness, and the type of ENERGY we apply to any given situation.?

Given that, it’s helpful to understand how energy is at the core of everything we do, and the two types of energy influencing our thought processes, emotions, and actions we take.

Energy

The Oxford Dictionary defines energy as the “power derived from the utilization of physical or chemical resources, especially to provide light and heat or to work machines.”

But energy is also that which is at the core of our thoughts, emotions, and actions. It influences how we see ourselves, the people around us, and how we respond to all the obstacles life and work keep throwing at us.

What does this mean for your leadership and performance?

Energy is what you use (and create) to operate within the physical, social, and environmental aspects of your life.

Your energy has a tremendous amount of influence on your performance as a leader, and if you’re going to be the “light” for others, or to create the “heat” to power your organizational steam engine, you’re going to need to understand it.?

There are two types of energy.

Catabolic Energy

Catabolic energy is destructive over time.

Often associated with a burst of adrenaline in times of need, it is a draining and contracting energy. And although It may give you an initial boost to get things done during stressful situations, it also acts as a blinder, preventing you from seeing the full slate of options available to you.

Consciously choosing catabolic energy has its place, and can be effective short-term, but prolonged exposure, whether consciously or unconsciously has a negative impact on our mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

It is potentially destructive to you and those around you.

The Catabolic Leader?

Catabolic leaders “manage” others. As the definition implies, they handle, direct, govern, or control in action or use, and they dominate or influence.?

Catabolic leaders control others. They tell others what to do, and how to do it.?

The catabolic leader, with this need for “authority,” places talented people in non-powerful positions and then complains when no one steps up to take initiative or ownership of the situation.

They are forever telling you how they are the only one who can get things done and do them the right way.

Ever work with someone like that??

Catabolic leaders are likely to destroy and break down everything (relationships, individuals and teams, cohesion and collaboration) around them.

Anabolic Energy

Anabolic energy, on the other hand, is the energy that builds. Whether in the workplace or at home, we see great leaders building relationships, teams, families, and businesses.

Anabolic energy fuels leadership. It’s healing and growth-oriented.?

It feeds your creativity, intuition, compassion, and caring as a leader. Anabolic energy heightens your perception and enhances relationships.

Anabolic energy is the foundation for peak performance. It helps you, your team, and your organization grow and achieve powerful and lasting results.

Simply put, higher levels of anabolic energy are associated with more effective leadership, and therefore higher performance capacity.?

The Anabolic Leader

Anabolic leaders lead. They “go before or with to show the way,” and they guide in direction, course, and action.

If this sounds supportive and empowering, well it is. The anabolic leader doesn’t have to control or push people.

Instead, they inspire others with their words, actions, and by the personal example they exhibit in everything they do.

Anabolic leaders realize that everyone is greater than they might appear; that they have the knowledge and insight to get the job done. Thus, they don’t feel the need to dictate what people what to do. They inspire others to tap into their individual gifts to contribute to success.

* note: if we are not inspiring those around us, our lease on leadership is likely expiring...

Consider how you (and your team) tap into either catabolic or anabolic energy as you respond to a task or challenge.?

When you approach your team as a catabolic leader and tell or demand that someone do something, they will likely respond catabolically with an? “I won’t,” “I have to,” or “I need to.”?

If you approach them as an anabolic leader and request that someone do something, or ask for someone’s input on a project, they’re much more likely to respond anabolically with? “I want to” or “I choose to.”?

Anabolic energy leads to better engagement, collaboration, and discretionary effort.

The more you operate as an anabolic leader, the greater the probability that your team will respond in kind, and the higher probability of success in the task.

What would it mean for your leadership, your team’s engagement, and the likelihood for personal and organizational success if you tapped into more anabolic energy?

This month, as you interact with those around you, think about how you might choose to be more of an anabolic leader, and take note of the energy on your team as you lead, instead of managing.

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Brian is an ICF-certified coach. He combines a unique background of leadership roles in the military, manufacturing operations, and human resources to deliver powerful coaching and help his clients achieve their personal and professional development goals.