Positive energizers, and why they’re vital to your workplace

There’s no denying that COVID-19 had a huge impact on our energy, and well-being, leaving many of us struggling to stay positive throughout the pandemic. And with the war in Ukraine, and the cost of living crisis now taking their toll on all of us, leaders with a wealth of positive energy have become more vital than ever - uplifting, enthusing, and recharging their staff through difficult times. 

We’re not talking about false positivity - thinking happy thoughts and choosing to ignore the very real struggles that so many of us are facing. Rather, it’s the active demonstration of positivity, through values and choices, that help these Positive Energizers better engage their teams, retain staff for longer, and increase well being, all of which have a great effect on profitability. 

Here’s what you, as a leader, should know about being a Positive Energy in the workplace, a powerful predictor of organizational success… 

Why is positive energy so important for leaders? 

Look closely at most companies, and you’ll find that one person is central to the forward motion of the organization, driving and uplifting everyone they come into contact with. We call these people ‘Positive Energizers’, and what they do ‘values-based leadership’, demonstrating virtuous qualities like forgiveness, compassion, humility, kindness, integrity, honesty, and gratitude in their every action (and it’s always about what they ‘do’, rather than what they ‘say’). 

This type of positive energy isn’t driven or delivered through false or superficial positives, pretending everything is fine and dandy when times are increasingly difficult. Instead, it’s a choice to actively display admirable qualities, and to make all decisions based on them, creating a genuine culture of positivity that radiates through an organisation, and leading by example. 

You’ve no doubt met Positive Energizers during the course of your career, people who radiate energy and enthusiasm, lighting up a room when they walk in. They’re the polar opposite of negative nellies, the type who suck energy from a room, and zap the confidence of their employees, leaving them demoralized, diminished, and uninspired.

What are the benefits of Positive Energizers?

There are many! Leaders with positive energy, who truly embody their values, produce higher levels of engagement in their teams by imbuing them with get-up-and-go, building relationships based on genuine admiration and mutual trust. They reduce absence through both sickness and stress, and hold on to great employees for longer, through creating a truly uplifting workplace culture. Overall, they increase the profitability of their organisation - the bottom line for anyone who wants to run a successful business! 

Positive Energizers attract the same energy that they radiate, proving the theory that in relationships, what you give is usually what you can expect to receive. Positive energy is reciprocal, so an energizing approach to others acts as a continual energy boosting mechanism, which produces an abundant supply of energy that radiates through a whole company, and network.  

To paraphrase the proven leader, Dolly Parton:
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a positive, energizing leader”. 

Positive Energizers can turn around failing companies, resolve seemingly doomed situations, and rebuild burned-out, disengaged employees, which is why they’re often brought in to help flagging organisations, and are a huge asset to any company.  

Can companies survive without Positive Energizers?

The short answer is ‘yes’, but only in the short term. The evidence is clear that positive energy is far more effective long term, as employees become averse to de-energizing and life-depleting leaders over time.

During this, the Great Resignation, your company can ill afford to lose any staff, let alone those with the most potential. That’s why leaders who inspire focus, trust, and sincere investment in the goals of their teams have never been more important. 

How to recognise a Positive Energizer within your organisation 

Generally speaking, positive energizers:

• Are high performers.
• Positively impact the performance of others, helping people flourish time and again.
• Are found more frequently at high performing organisations.
• Bring innovation to every project.
• Are great team players.
• Love their jobs
• Enjoy great relationships with everyone they work with, from the cleaner to the CEO.

Do you want to hire more Positive Energizers for your business? We’ll help you find, and recruit leaders with the right qualities.