“Energy and persistence conquer all things.” -Benjamin Franklin
Imagine this. You are going to join a group of people to carry out a project. Your team has a leader named John. You are invited by John to a kick off meeting. When you get to the meeting place, no one expects you. You go and sit waiting for the meeting to start. John starts the meeting with a low tone: low energy, low enthusiasm, and little passion. He explains the roles and assigns tasks to the team members. He then adjourns the meeting and you leave to start working on your assigned tasks.
Now, imagine this. You are going to join a group of people to carry out a project. Your team has a leader named Jack. You are invited by Jack to a kick off meeting. When you get to the meeting place, you are warmly greeted by Jack. He smiles and welcomes you. He then asks you enthusiastically to take a sit. Jack starts the meeting with a high tone: high energy, high enthusiasm, and full of passion. He passionately explains the roles and assigns tasks to the team members. He then thanks all attendees and adjourns the meeting. He shakes your hand with a big smile while looking at your eyes with passion. You then leave to start working on your assigned tasks.
Which one of the two scenarios above did you like more?
Which one of the leaders did you prefer to work with, John or Jack?
Which leader impressed you more, John or Jack?
In which scenario, did you feel more connected and energized?
Let me guess your answers! Most probably you prefer the second scenario and are impressed by Jack as your team leader. Why is that? Well, I think you agree with me that the main difference maker between the two leaders was their energy level. Jack was energetic but John was not. Jack was enthusiastic about the project while John was not. Jack was passionate but John was not. As a result, Jack could connect with you better and make you excited and energized about the project and the assigned tasks.
How many times in your life have you met low energy leaders like John? How many times have you been a high energy leader like Jack?
The first step at the beginning of any task or project is to start with positive energy, to have zeal and enthusiasm, and to be passionate and excited about the task in hand. This way you make others excited as well, draw their attention and have them follow what you say.
Couple of years ago, a representative of a charity organization and his team composed of three ladies came to the company that I was working at for fund raising. The group leader’s task was to encourage us to donate to their charity organization. He stood behind the lectern and started reading from his notes with a monotonic voice and without an effective eye contact. His energy was low. As a result he could not connect with the audience. I actually lost the connection because I found him boring. Whether or not he was a capable leader, my first impression was that he did not like what he was doing. He was not passionate about his purpose. He was not excited about his task. And as a result he could not connect with people. Had he been more energetic and passionate about what his message, we could have connected better with him and the result could be more positive. Our view about him and whether he was the right person for taking this task could also be different.
In another event, I attended a seminar few months ago. I was tired and a little sleepy prior to the seminar. Definitely my energy level was low! I was also to some extent close minded about the topic. I sat on the chair with over 200 other attendees. The seminar started at 7:00 pm. After the introduction, the seminar leader appeared on the stage with high energy. He engaged his audience from the first minute by asking questions and getting feedback from them. He was so positive and passionate about the topic and the task in hand. His energy level made us to become energetic as well and kept us with him for 2.5 hours. We could easily connect with him and perform what he wanted us to do. Everyone was happy and connected. At the end of the seminar, he offered some products for sale. Most of people bought his book and signed up for his upcoming trainings.
You see, energy is truly a difference maker. If the seminar leader was not energetic about what he was doing, if he could not related himself to his audience with passion and enthusiasm, he could not keep us attentive and engaged for over two hours and he could not sell his products at the end. His winning card was his energy level on top of his salesmanship and knowledge.
So, here is the tip: Energy is a difference maker. Keep your energy level up and as a result you will see how you can positively influence others.
