Why Energy Leadership is the Key to Effective Team Management
Effective leadership goes beyond simply managing tasks or making decisions—it’s deeply tied to the energy a leader brings into their interactions. This concept, known as energy leadership, profoundly shapes how teams feel, behave, and ultimately perform. Developed by renowned leadership expert Bruce D Schneider, energy leadership encourages leaders to become aware of their own energy, enabling them to positively influence their teams and achieve outstanding results.
What is Energy Leadership?
Energy leadership involves recognizing the type of energy you bring into interactions and learning to manage it intentionally. It centers on the idea that a leader’s energy or mindset directly impacts those around them. It was popularized by Schneider, the founder of iPEC Coaching (1) and author of the book, Energy Leadership: Transforming Your Workplace and Your Life From the Core (2). His energy leadership framework is based on the idea that energy is the single most important factor distinguishing great leaders from the rest.
Best Leadership Courses
Simply put, energy leadership involves becoming aware of your own energy levels and consciously shifting your attitude and approach so that you can lead more effectively. This approach goes beyond traditional leadership skills by focusing on how you lead (your energy, perspective, and consciousness) rather than just what you do. By consciously managing this energy, leaders can inspire motivation, drive engagement, and foster a healthier workplace culture.
ALSO READ: Can a Leadership Programme Help Me Advance in My Career? All You Need to Know
Catabolic vs Anabolic Energy: Two Sides of Leadership
To effectively use energy leadership, it is important to grasp the two basic types of energy that a person expresses. Catabolic energy is the negative, draining kind of energy, while anabolic energy is the positive, uplifting kind. At its core, catabolic energy is destructive; it is fueled by emotions such as worry, fear, anger, or blame. If left unchecked, catabolic energy can create a toxic, depressing environment that drags everyone down.
For example, a leader stuck in a mindset of “I can’t believe this problem is happening” or constantly blaming team members exhibits catabolic energy. This energy often leads to tension, conflict, or disengagement in the team.
Anabolic energy, on the other hand, is constructive and creative. When a leader is in an anabolic state, they take responsibility, show compassion, and look for opportunities even in challenges. This positive energy tends to spark creativity, collaboration, and optimism. In the face of a setback, think of a leader who says, “Alright, what can we learn from this and how can we turn it into an opportunity?” That leader is displaying anabolic energy. Importantly, no leader (and no team) is ever purely one type of energy all the time. We all cycle up and down through different energy states depending on the situation. However, by recognizing which type of energy is present in yourself and your team at any moment, you gain insight into why people are reacting a certain way and how you might shift the dynamics.
The Seven Levels of Energy Leadership
The Bruce D Schneider energy leadership model outlines seven distinct energy levels, ranging from negative (catabolic) to positive (anabolic):
- Level 1: Victim mindset—feeling powerless and stuck
- Level 2: Anger and conflict, driven by frustration
- Level 3: Rationalizing—tolerating situations without real engagement
- Level 4: Compassionate—helping and caring about others
- Level 5: Opportunity-oriented—seeking win-win outcomes
- Level 6: Creative, highly intuitive, and collaborative
- Level 7: Passionate, driven by purpose and deep fulfillment
Leaders who consciously shift toward higher energy levels (4–7) tend to foster healthier, more productive team environments.
The Energy Leadership Index (ELI) Assessment
How can you tell what your current energy leadership level is? This is where the Energy Leadership Index (ELI) assessment comes into play. The Schneider-developed Energy Leadership Index is a unique attitudinal assessment that measures your typical energy patterns across the seven levels. Unlike personality tests that categorize traits, the ELI reveals how you “show up” under normal conditions and under stress in terms of energy and mindset.
In other words, it shows the mix of catabolic and anabolic energy you tend to experience day to day and when challenges arise. The ELI provides a numeric result called your Average Resonating Level (ARL) of energy, which is essentially a snapshot of your overall leadership energy. A higher ARL means you generally exhibit more constructive, empowering energy, while a lower ARL indicates more frequent catabolic energy. According to research, individuals with higher average energy levels tend to have higher levels of satisfaction in life. More practically, when leaders receive their ELI results, they often have eye-opening insights into how their mindset might be boosting or sabotaging their leadership.
Furthermore, the ELI is often used with a coach or in leadership development programs to help leaders create a plan to elevate their energy. By identifying which levels are dominant and which ones drop under stress, a leader can target specific areas for growth.
ALSO READ: 5 Important Reasons Why You Need Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
Practical Strategies to Apply Energy Leadership
Here are actionable ways to integrate energy leadership into your daily management practices:
Lead by Example
Your energy sets the tone for your team. Strive to embody anabolic energy consistently:
- Stay optimistic and solutions-focused
- Demonstrate resilience in stressful situations
- Model openness and positive communication
Do this and your team will naturally mirror this positive approach.
Shift Perspectives During Challenges
Encountering obstacles is inevitable but energy leadership equips you to handle them constructively:
- Replace blame with curiosity and problem-solving
- Encourage your team to identify solutions collaboratively
- Frame setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth
This approach fosters an environment of continuous improvement.
Foster an Energy-Conscious Culture
Develop a culture where energy awareness is a shared language:
- Discuss openly how energy impacts outcomes
- Encourage self-awareness among team members
- Celebrate positive shifts in attitude and engagement
Creating this environment boosts overall team resilience.
Benefits of Embracing Energy Leadership
Embracing energy leadership has tangible benefits for both leaders and their teams. When a leader consistently uses energy leadership techniques, several key improvements typically follow:
- Enhanced team collaboration
- Improved emotional intelligence
- Higher employee retention rates
- Greater adaptability and responsiveness to change
Consequently, by consciously managing your energy, you foster an environment where your team thrives.
ALSO READ: Leadership Trends 2025: What Aspiring Leaders Need to Know
Take Steps to Become an Effective Leader
Embarking on the energy leadership journey begins with self-awareness. Regular reflection and intentional adjustments will elevate your leadership effectiveness. By embracing this method, you cultivate positivity, resilience, and a high-performing culture. However, apart from self-reflection and monitoring your reactions as a leader, you also need to equip yourself with the right leadership tools. And what better way to work on that than by exploring Emeritus’ online leadership courses?
Write to us at content@emeritus.org
Sources:
