February 14- From Where We Sit: Timely Thoughts from Kathy and Liz

Who is Getting on the Energy Bus?

Beep, Beep. Here comes the Energy Bus!  Are you getting onboard? Short days, cold weather, and a lingering pandemic can snap our energy and positivity. Even self-described “positive people” can be left feeling a little blah. 

This month the ICAHN book club has been reading The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon. The group all agrees; we needed this! If you haven’t read the book, it focuses on 10 rules to fuel your life, work, and team with positive energy. Spoiler alert: you are the driver of your bus and only you can determine if it’s a positive ride or a negative ride.

 ENERGY BUS RULE: Don’t Waste Your Energy on Those Who Don’t Get on Your Bus

The book challenges us to decide which bus we are going to drive and who  will be our passengers. This is key. You see it all the time in leadership. We spend too many hours dealing with negative people and people who simply don’t want to ride with us. Why do we do this?  First and foremost, we take it personally when people don’t jump aboard. We place the blame on ourselves instead of recognizing that not everyone is going to be the right fit for our team. Secondly, as team leaders, we feel we have somehow failed by not getting everyone to work together. 

Can you help negative people change their attitude and get on your bus? Absolutely. Healthcare visionary Quint Studer said, “Employees want to believe their company has a meaningful purpose. They want to know that their own job is worthwhile. They want to make a difference. If all three of these conditions are accomplished, bottom line results will follow.”

As a leader, be able to clearly articulate to your team the “why” of what you are doing. Have a vision of success and share it. Think into the future and be able to tell others why the direction your bus is heading is a good place for them to be, individually and as a team. Help each person see their purpose in the bigger picture. Bring your positivity, your enthusiasm, and your ENERGY on a daily basis. 

It’s not easy and you are sure to hit some potholes along the way. But, as Jon Gordon says, “Build upon your challenges and use them to pave the road to success."

ENERGY BUS RULE: Have Fun and Enjoy the Ride

The Energy Bus closes with these words, “Remember, you have only one ride through life so give it all you got and enjoy the ride.” Today, bring the positive energy and get the people on your bus who will enjoy the ride with you!