Years ago, my friend and brilliant speaker, Jack Daly, pushed me to ask myself, “What one thing did I do today to raise the energy level of my team?”
When I think about it, it makes sense. The speed of the leader is the speed of the group.
One of your jobs as a leader, no matter where in the company you are, is to raise the energy level of your team. On the flip side, also ask yourself what you did to destroy the energy of the team?
I distinctly remember the times I’ve taken an entire team and destroyed their energy and passion for days by saying the wrong thing or by publicly coming down on them. I’d even feel myself doing it and didn’t stop. I had to learn how to listen to my conscience and let it guide me. Trying to slow down before I’d say something would help, but it was hard for me.
In the must read book, The One Minute Manager, Ken Blanchard nailed it when he stated, “Two strokes for one poke.” Others call it a “shit sandwich,” which basically means that if you give constructive criticism, try to sandwich it between things you are happy about and can praise the employee for doing.
By being a better communicator, you’ll produce employees that understand your goals and communicate well to others on the team.
As you walk into the office each day, think about the things you can do to raise the energy in your workplace. Be yourself, but find ways to stir the Kool-Aid every day.
As my mentor said, if you want and awesome company culture “focus on building something slightly more than a business and slightly less than a religion.” To really build that cult (culture) you have to always be looking to raise the energy of the group. Find a way.
I’d love to hear what you do in your company to raise the energy level of your team.
For more information on this topic, check out: Building a World Class Culture.
