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While we have encountered several leadership traits & styles, there is always a dilemma among the next-gen leaders on which one is ideal?

There could be several core focus areas like emotional intelligence, personal influence, clear communication, conflict management, problem-solving, strategizing, time management engagement & productivity; however, the single factor at the heart of what drives performance is 'Energy.'

According to Bruce D Schneider, founder of the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC), there are two different forms of energy: Anabolic and Catabolic.

Anabolic energy is constructive, expanding, fueling, healing, and growth-oriented. It is the energy behind creativity, intuition, cooperation, compassion, and caring. Anabolic energy fuels peoples' minds and bodies, positively affects their interactions with others, and helps them move forward and achieve goals; it is described as the cornerstone of high performance and is accompanied by a heightened sense of self-awareness.

Catabolic energy, on the other hand, is described as draining, resisting, and contracting and often arises out of self-protection. It is unconsciously and appropriately evoked in short-term, stressful situations, to enable a fight-or-flight survival response. However, remaining in a catabolic state for long periods can be mentally, emotionally, and physically destructive. When people are in a stressful, catabolic energy state, their self-awareness and ability to see potential options are diminished, resulting in missed opportunities.

‘Energy Leadership’ means actively shaping your team's emotional tone, which is critical to building a positive and productive culture.

In my opinion, the Agile way of working is a classic example of an exuberating Energy leadership style. In this mode, the Scrum team meets daily at the beginning of the day and prepares for the day ahead. Setting a positive tone in the first few minutes with a check on the team's well-being instills anabolic energy for a productive stand-up meeting.

By focusing on Energy Leadership, you can create a culture that values positivity, collaboration, and productivity. Remember not to underestimate the power of your energy- it can make all the difference in your team's success.

When was the last time you showcased Energy Leadership?