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In today’s fast-paced leadership landscape, two things continue to remain true: the need for more hours in the day and an inexhaustible supply of energy. Leaders not only require the personal energy needed to tackle their responsibilities but should also think about the electrifying, contagious energy that inspires those around them. Bill Williams, endearingly referred to as “Electric Bill,” suggests that leaders should examine how they allocate their time and focus on recharging their batteries daily, guaranteeing they finish the day with more energy than they started.
Williams contends that recharging one’s battery goes beyond mere rest. It encompasses engaging in passion-driven activities or those that yield a visible impact. Adopting this approach reinvigorates personal energy and contributes to an organization’s overall success. As Bill insightfully points out, “If you don’t give a damn about your product, no one is going to buy it.”
In his book, Electric Life: 12 Microsteps to Pay Attention, Be Brilliant, and Go Deep, Williams emphasizes the importance of self-reflection as a starting point for leaders. Recognizing that each individual is unique, he acknowledges that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for boosting energy. Instead, leaders must engage in introspection to determine their specific needs and requirements at any given moment.
To facilitate self-reflection, Bill introduces the concept of “pausitivity,” an appealing word mashup that counteracts the detrimental effects of toxic positivity. Pausitivity allows leaders to reflect on situations from all perspectives, preventing knee-jerk reactions characterized by false reassurance. Bill’s experience with his dying father awakened him to the significance of pausitivity, prompting him to confront his sadness and empathize with his father’s perspective.
According to Williams, practicing pausitivity involves examining situations from fresh viewpoints and seeking insights about oneself and others. He encourages leaders to move beyond the notion of “fine” and utilize an emotion wheel to accurately identify their feelings. This process may begin with simply recognizing whether one feels “thumbs up” or “thumbs down.”
Once pausitivity gets mastered, leaders can progress to the next step in enhancing their energy, embodied in the African greeting “Sawubona.” Translated as “I see you, you are important to me, and I value you,” Sawubona captures the essence of treating each person as a unique individual. During his tenure at Kojuko, Williams discovered the importance of making every customer feel special and valued. This experience led him to embrace the Platinum Rule: “Do unto others as they’d have done to them.”
To celebrate individuality and express appreciation, Williams recommends replacing “thank you” with “I appreciate,” as the latter requires specificity. Expressing gratitude for particular actions or qualities helps people feel seen and valued. Bill shares a story from his first job at McDonald’s, where his dedication to crafting perfect Quarter Pounders garnered customer appreciation and reignited his passion for his work.
In addition to pausitivity and valuing the uniqueness of others, another essential aspect of invigorating leadership energy is focusing on one’s well-being. Adequate rest, exercise, and nutrition are fundamental building blocks for maintaining high energy levels. In addition, leaders should prioritize self-care and ensure they cultivate healthy habits to sustain their energy throughout the day.
Moreover, cultivating a positive work environment and fostering a culture of open communication can significantly enhance a leader’s energy. Encouraging employees to express their thoughts, ideas, and concerns creates a sense of belonging and promotes a collaborative atmosphere. In turn, this environment nurtures enthusiasm, motivation, and a strong sense of purpose, ultimately benefiting both the leader and the organization.
Furthermore, leaders should embrace lifelong learning and continually seek personal and professional growth opportunities. By remaining curious and open to new ideas, leaders can maintain a dynamic energy that fuels innovation and adaptability within their organization. Embracing challenges and staying informed about industry trends and advancements enables leaders to stay ahead of the curve, ensuring they remain energized and focused on achieving their goals.
Another crucial aspect of sustaining energy in one’s leadership is setting clear boundaries and avoiding burnout. Successful leaders know when to delegate tasks and trust their team, allowing them to focus on strategic decision-making and essential responsibilities. Delegation promotes a more balanced workload and empowers team members, fostering a shared sense of accomplishment and a collective, energizing drive toward success.
Bill Williams
Mentorship and networking also play a pivotal role in enhancing a leader’s energy. Establishing meaningful connections with like-minded professionals creates a supportive network offering guidance, encouragement, and diverse perspectives. Engaging with others in the industry, sharing experiences, and learning from their insights can contribute to a leader’s personal growth, boosting their energy and reinforcing their passion for leadership.
Cultivating and sustaining high energy in leadership involves a multifaceted approach. By practicing pausitivity, valuing individuality, focusing on personal well-being, creating a positive work environment, embracing lifelong learning, setting clear boundaries, and engaging in mentorship and networking, leaders can maintain the energy needed to inspire those around them and drive their organizations forward.
In a world where leadership demands constant adaptability and unwavering determination, nurturing one’s energy is vital to success, paving the way for a more fulfilling and vibrant professional journey.
Watch the full interview with Bill Williams and Dan Pontefract on the Leadership NOW program below, or listen to it on your favorite podcast.
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Pre-order my next book, publishing in November, Work-Life Bloom: How to Nurture a Team That Flourishes, (You won’t want to miss digging in.)
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