Here is the final part of my book report on Energy Leadership by Bruce D. Schneider.
everyone is a leader
Before reading Energy Leadership, I wasn’t aware of how vital the proper energy level is for companies or, generally, the business context. This insight will help me with building my own successful coaching business. I used to think everything was about having a positive attitude or mindset, but it seems that matching an anabolic energy level is even more critical. The quote that everyone is a leader by nature (p. 11) was extraordinary for me. I never thought about leadership this way, and I will use it for my future business building.
energy levels rule
Many statements seem as if they were apparent – after reading. There is a lot of unknown knowledge within the book that is revealed. The story drives the focus on increasing awareness about the little things. I tried to understand my current energy levels in my daily lives which is hard in the beginning but works well after some practice.
The difference which the author made between happiness and joy was fascinating. I like the distinction because it explains why some people never find real peace in their lives when they seek short-term happiness. It is also interesting that joy is part of Level 6/7 energy and is also connected with awareness. This insight can also be necessary for my future coaching practice as well as for my life. I like the thought that human beings cannot reach level 7 energy. This thought is entirely spiritual, but I like it because it reminds us that there is always something higher. In my opinion, a bit of humility is good if we reach high levels of success and joy. So we don’t forget that success and joy don’t have to come naturally.
ENERGY LEADERSHIP REVEALED
During the reading, I sometimes felt a bit confused because I became aware of how often I switch into catabolic energy levels when I am interacting with other people in the context of business. The story increased my awareness about the particular situations where I act metabolically or anabolically. I wasn’t aware that judging others on their abilities or imperfections is also an expression of catabolic energy and an aggressive tone in discussions.
Another important insight was that I realised that a single catabolic person could ruin a team! Nate’s behaviour was an impressive example of how one part of a relationship or team had impacted the whole system. The result of removing Nate from the company and the connection between him being fired. Watching the ongoing thrive of the business was exciting. The importance of getting rid of negative influencers or situations can be generalised to many relationships and constellations.
The decision to remove negative influence from my life has always been a challenge for me. I often tend to keep negative friends or colleagues because I hope they will change. Mostly, the change happens after they have left. So, this part of the story made me think a lot about my personal practice with catabolic energy.
The book seems very practical for my upcoming plans to build a thriving coaching business for the future. The leader that Richard became at the end of the coaching is the kind of leader I want to be. Reading the book inspired me to increase awareness and be careful how I use my energy. I also will focus on the positive skills that energetic leaders have and practice.