On energy and outlook

By Rosabeth Moss Kanter

Some people become leaders no matter what their chosen path because their positive energy is so uplifting. Even in tough times, they always find away. They seem to live life on their own terms even when having to comply with someone else’s requirements.

When they walk into a room, they make it come alive. When they send a message, it feels good to receive it. Their energy makes them magnets attracting other people.

Just plain energy is a neglected dimension of leadership. It is a form of power available to anyone in any circumstances. While inspiration is a longterm proposition, energy is necessary on a daily basis, just to keep going. Three things characterise the people who are energisers. A relentless focus on the bright side. Energisers find the positive and run with it. Energisers are can-do people. They do not like to stay in negative territory, even when there are things that are genuinely depressing.

“Positive thinking” and “counting blessings” can sound like naïve clichés. But energisers are not fools. They can be shrewd analysts who know their flaws and listen carefully to critics so that they can keep improving. Energisers don’t dawdle. Energisers don’t tell you all the reasons something can’t be done. They just get to it. They might take time to deliberate, but they keep the action moving. The only requirements for energisers are that they stay active, positive, responsive and on mission.

(From " Three Tips for Becoming an Energizer")