The Power of Positive Energy in Times of Change

I believe deeply in leadership by example. The more you progress in your career—or move up the org chart— the more you realize that leadership goes beyond managing tasks or people; it’s also about setting the emotional tone for your team.

This is especially true in times of change: every big leap can be daunting, every large project is full of unknowns. This uncertainty can breed different narratives, some emphasizing the positives and the opportunities, others the risks and fears.

When that happens, people also look to those around them—friends, managers, colleagues—for cues on how to respond. And we all know people who naturally bring out the positives, create energy and confidence and set things in motion.

This trait can have transformative effects. Two researchers, Emma Sepp?l? from Yale and Kim Cameron from the University of Michigan, have found that “the greatest predictor of success for leaders is not their charisma, influence, or power. It is their positive relational energy.” They define this positive energy as “the energy exchanged between people that helps uplift, enthuse, and renew them.”

So, how can you develop it and put it to good use? I’d offer three learnings on my end:

#1: Rather than positivity alone, bringing energy takes empathy and authenticity.

Positive energy is not about being relentlessly optimistic and upbeat regardless of the circumstances. While there’s value in staying positive, infusing energy is also about values: Trust, support and empathy help you understand people’s concerns and challenges, connect with them and bring them energy.

#2: Positive energy comes from within.

That’s not to say you have to feel great at all times: we all live demanding lives, with their share of challenges, health issues or simply low moments. But finding the routines and changes that bring you energy—be it a new training schedule, a cooking habit or spending time with your family, to take three examples that speak to me—goes a long way in managing stress and bringing optimism and resilience to work.??

#3: Change has its muscle memory.

If you frequently practice change in your life, it’s easier to see it as an opportunity. Early in my career, switching countries taught me I could be at home in more than one place. More recently, I found that getting back in shape could serve as a reminder of our own power of transformation and recovery.

And embracing positive energy isn’t just for work—it’s something you can build into your own life. As Winston Churchill once said, “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” Now I believe that perfection does not exist but that does not change the importance of the power of positive energy when trying to change focus and trying a different perspective to keep growing and improving.