I read several business related blogs. One of them is called Leadership Freak, written by Dan Rockwell. Today Leadership Freak had an interesting post about what leaders do to energize (and sometimes de-energize) their teams.
The theory behind the post is that everyone has energy inside them. A leader’s job is to exploit that energy and build on it. In other words, to quote REO Speedwagon, leaders need to “Keep the fire burnin'”.
Of course that’s easier said than done. What kinds of things can leaders do to ignite fires in their team and keep those fires burning? Also, what should leaders do to avoid putting out the fires in their team?
In his post today, Dan offers several answers to these questions. Here are a few of my own:
- Serve your teammates. Nothing energizes people more than being served – especially by their leader
- Use positive words and expressions to get your point across – ALWAYS
- Smile
- Ask your teammates about things they’re interested and invested in – their family, their hobbies, etc (Be interested)
- Even when you don’t feel high energy – fake it until you make it – people you lead will follow your example
- Find out what energizes (and de-energizes) your teammates
What do you do to “Keep the fire burnin'” among your team?
Rick Church is Head Coach of CM Services, Inc. The Association Partnership Company. CM Services pioneered the concept of developing long-term partnerships with national and international trade associations and professional medical associations. Mr. Church has published articles and given presentations about association leaders (both volunteer and paid). Mr. Church served as president of the Association Management Company Institute (AMCi). While on AMCi's Board of Directors, Mr. Church was very involved in the development of the AMCi/ANSI standard for Association Management Companies and the AMCi certification program based on that standard.
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