Leadership is an energy game. Energy is the ability to do work. Every conversation, decision, and interaction either adds to or depletes the collective energy of your team. Energy is contagious—so ask yourself:
- Are you the sun, radiating positivity and fueling your team’s momentum?
- Are you unknowingly letting “energy vampires” drain you and those around you?
- Could you be unknowingly slipping into “energy vampire” mode—draining yourself and others without realizing it?
The best leaders are not just skilled decision-makers—they are energy multipliers. They know how to harness positive relational energy to create an environment where people feel motivated, supported, and aligned. And they have the self-awareness to recognize what causes them to show up as an "energy vampire:" and the discipline to reset.
Our team continues to be inspired by the research of Emma Seppälä and Kim Cameron from Yale University published in 2022, which highlights a powerful yet often overlooked leadership advantage: positive relational energy.
It is about the energy exchanged in every interaction, the unspoken current that fuels team culture and performance. Leaders who consistently radiate this kind of energy are catalysts for growth, resilience, and success at every level.
You feel and perform better - enhanced emotional well-being, increased resilience, and a stronger sense of purpose and confidence
Your team thrives - greater engagement, trust, and collaboration through more authentic and energizing relationships
Your organization benefits - stronger alignment, more effective execution, and improved performance—financially and culturally
Put your week up for review. Try this: At the end of each week, journal or reflect on:
- What fueled or depleted your energy?
- How did your interactions affect your energy?
- Where did you lead with energy and create the most value?
- What will you focus on next week?
Curiosity unlocks empathy, connection, and trust—key drivers of sustainable energy.
Try this: In moments of tension or low energy, shift your mindset from “What should I do?” to “What’s really going on here?”
Don’t waste your prime focus hours on low-leverage tasks—energy follows attention.
Try this: Time-block your high-energy windows for strategic work, problem-solving, and creative thinking.
Use micro-recovery moments throughout your day. These small resets have a big impact on focus and emotional regulation.
Try this: Take 2–3 minutes to reset between tasks: breathe, stretch, hydrate, listen to music.
Lift others up with presence and positivity. Protect your output by doing what only you can do.
Try this: Respond thoughtfully, encourage often, and contribute from a place of strength helping to build confidence in others. Also, ask: “Is this the highest and best use of my time and energy?”
Anchor in what makes you thrive. Working in your strength zone sustains confidence, creativity, and momentum.
Try this: Reflect on where you felt most alive and effective—and build from there.
A few resources our team loves on positive relational energy:
- The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon
- Be the Sun, Not the Salt by Dr. Harry Cohen
- The Best Leaders have Positive Relational Energy, HBR by Emma Seppälä & Kim Cameron
For more on energy in leadership, listen to our Podcast.
Great leadership isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about how you fuel the people around you. When you bring positive relational energy into the room, you spark momentum that moves teams and entire organizations forward.
Because when you lead with positive relational energy, success follows.
To permanent beta,
