Mark Twain once said, “If you want energy go out and
give it to someone else.” Over the years I have been fortunate to lead
not only businesses but several volunteer organizations. The ones where
we had the greatest success is where all of us were creating energy.
Yet, many self-employed
business owners, entrepreneurs, solo professionals, corporate managers and
corporate executives are unknowingly sabotaging themselves by not bringing or
giving energy in their business or workplace.
Leadership is defined many ways. One of my favorites
that I use in my personal business coaching practice is this: “Leadership
is creating in others today, a future willingness to follow you into something
new for the sake of something great.” Something new can run the spectrum
from incremental refinements
to wholesale change.
Energy Creates Interest
Without energy you can become less interesting to
follow. Energy can come from your steadfastness of purpose and your commitment to succeed.
It can come from bringing enthusiasm to what you do. There are many ways
to bring energy through your words and actions.
To have long-term success, whether you are a self-employed
business owner running a small business or a corporate executive with hundreds
or thousands of employees, you must bring energy. Small business success, or
corporate success for that matter depend on many things. But there is one
characteristic of any enterprise that is heading toward going out of
business. It has lost its positive energy and momentum.
Positive Energy Is Key
Psychologist Henry H. Goddard conducted a study
on energy levels in children using and instrument he called the
“ergograph.” His findings were fascinating. He discovered that when
tired children were given a word of praise or commendation, the ergograph
showed an immediate upward surge of energy in the children.
When the children were criticized or discouraged, the
ergograph showed that their physical energy took a sudden nosedive. You
may have already discovered this intuitively.
When someone praises you, doesn’t your energy go up?
And when you are criticized, doesn’t that comment drag you down? Words have great power.
What Kind Of Environment Is Your Energy Creating?
Your words and actions create your environment. Are
your words and actions leading to small business growth? Think of what
things would be like and what you could create if your were affirming people
not only when you first meet them but on an ongoing basis. Not only would
you be encouraging them but you would also become an energy carrier.
Being an energy
carrier is a good thing for leadership. Whenever you walk into a
room, the people would light up! You would help to create the kind of
environment everyone loves. Just your presence alone would brighten
people’s days.
Bring energy to yourself and others. It will improve
your leadership, your business and your life. As Mark Twain pointed out
if we want energy we have to go out and give it to others. Create a
positive environment of affirmation. Lead with energy.
