When I listen to what some business owners do for their working day I feel exhausted just listening to them. However, it may just be they have that kind of capacity and can handle spinning a lot of plates. The question is not, ’how much am I doing?’ The question you need to ask is, ‘does this energise me or drain me?’ Having energy is the key to good leadership. When you are energised and healthy then the team or organisation will be too.
“Only when we are fully energized do we become fully capable of being the best versions of ourselves.” Brett Steenbarger
This is a great observation by Brett. I would go even further and say: only when your energy levels are high then are you much more likely to be self-aware which is key if you are to intentionally create an environment around you where people can bring their best.
How are you doing?
The key to being energised is to know what it is that energises you. There will be activities you do when you will hardly be aware of the passing of time as you do them. There will be others where you are struggling after just 15 minutes. To be able to do the tasks which don’t necessarily come naturally, you need grace to do them. This grace comes from depositing enough energy in you from doing what does come naturally which gives you the capacity to handle those that do not. The key is having the right balance.
70:30 Principle
As someone who coaches business owners and organisational leaders, I use the 70:30 Principle developed by Giant Worldwide to help you think about where you might be in terms of your energy. To use this tool effectively you will need to be aware of your onboard tendencies. When you know your voice, your strengths, and the way you view the world you will know what comes naturally to you and what does not.
The trick is to spend 70% of your time on activities which come naturally to you. If you use the 5 Voice system to know your voice this will predominantly be your 1st and 2nd voice. These activities will energise you. Conversely using your 4th and 5th voices will be skills you have to concentrate on, you can become good at them but they will drain you.
So what are your numbers?
Are they 70/30 or is it more like 60/40 or 50/50?
Which way are your numbers trending? In your leadership journey these numbers will change depending on whether you are gaining a new skill or starting a new business or job. Whilst you can be unbalanced for a while it isn’t sustainable for the long term.
Energise Outside Work
If you find your work is more draining in this season, then you should look to compensate by doing things that energise you outside work. It might be exercise, being out with friends, walking; whatever it is make sure you schedule it in.
“Your first and foremost job as a leader is to take charge of your own energy.” Bob Procter
Energy Audit
1. First make sure you know yourself. What are your onboard tendencies? What energises you, and what drains you?
2. What are your numbers as you think about the 70:30 principle?
3. Which way are they trending – energising or draining?
4. What next step will you take to manage your energy as you lead?
To discover your onboard tendencies message me on mark@smartculture.uk to set up a discovery call and manage your energy well.
Photo by Possessed Photography on Unsplash
