Henry Cloud says, “Every leader must consider whether what they are doing will create positive or negative energy.”
Do you embrace the idea that you are a factor in the energy generated by your team or in your family? In my experience, a lot of people will not.
Many will say that energy is a personal issue. I’ll take care of mine. You take care of yours. But that denies the reality.
If a leader is passive, the team will be too.
If the mom has a bad attitude, the kids will have a bad attitude as well.
Negative energy from a leader can be overcome, but it takes courageous followers who are fully aware of the need to create a positive vibe. Trying to run against the leadership grain has risk to it.
I use the term “lead where you stand.” Every situation has leadership. I’ve learned that when I enter a new environment to be on the lookout for the leadership.
If it’s positive and purposeful, I get in line and follow along.
If it’s negative and aimless, I try to boost the energy and suggest ways in which leaders might emerge.
If I can’t make a difference, I move on. Life’s too short to linger in a group without leaders.
Leading where you stand starts with bringing good energy and helping others by influencing them to have good energy too.
