Reclaim Your Team’s Energy
Meetings make work harder—they drain energy.
We can’t expect high performance from people shackled with fatigue.
Our minds are distracted. Our bodies are tense. Our agenda is crammed.
Energy Before Agenda
Begin meetings by asking people to pause, close their eyes, and take a few breaths.
With their eyes closed, ask them to feel where they’re holding stress in their body. Then say, “Breathe and release the tension.”
- Pause.
- Close your eyes.
- Take three deep breaths.
- Notice and release tension.
- Choose three reflection questions. Pause after each to allow for a silent response.
10 Sample Reflection Questions
- What are you thankful for right now?
- What attitude could make this meeting easier?
- What pressure could you release?
- What fear could you turn into curiosity?
- What’s one thing you expect of yourself right now?
- What’s one thing you’re carrying that doesn’t belong in this meeting?
- What’s could you do to energize someone?
- What distraction needs to wait outside this room?
- What does showing up with grace mean right now?
- What are you trying to control that you need to release?
Recap: Give people two minutes at the begin of meetings to restore and refocus.
- Breathe
- Reflect
- Begin
You want an energetic team? Use simple strategies that refresh people. Use this approach for one-on-ones, team meetings, and in your personal life.
How might leaders reclaim energy in meetings?
What can leaders to energize their teammates outside of meetings?
Organizational Energy: How to Fuel the 6 Engines of Success
John David Mann and I collaborated on a book that helps leaders get real with themselves – The Vagrant: The Inner Journey of Leadership.
