I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how energy flows through a business.
It’s not just about what you say in meetings or the decisions you make – it’s about the attitude you carry at the top.
I’ve seen firsthand that if the leadership team is tense, reactive, or disengaged, that vibe trickles down through every level of the business.
But when leaders are present, enthusiastic, and genuinely curious, it lifts everyone else.
This year, with the economy throwing curveballs and market conditions shifting week by week, I’ve had to consciously monitor my own energy more than ever.
It’s easy to get caught up in spreadsheets, forecasts, and deadlines but your team feels more than they hear.
A calm, confident approach in a tense situation isn’t just reassuring; it’s contagious.
I remember a time earlier this year when we were pitching for a major client. Tensions were high, and the numbers weren’t stacking up perfectly. I could have panicked or second-guessed every decision but instead, I focused on clarity and positivity.
I openly shared my confidence in our team, acknowledged the challenges, and encouraged solutions over complaints. Not only did we land the client, but the energy in the room shifted immediately. People started collaborating more openly, offering ideas, and stepping up in ways I hadn’t seen before. That moment reminded me that leadership isn’t just about directing – it’s about setting the emotional temperature.
So how do you make this a daily habit? A few things that work for me:
Start the day grounded
I’ve learned that how you begin your morning can set the tone for everything that follows. For me, that might mean a quick workout, a morning walk, or just 10 minutes of coffee in peace before the emails start rolling in. It’s a small window to check in with your mindset, to centre yourself, and to decide what kind of energy you want to bring to your team. Without that moment, it’s easy to step into the day reacting to everyone else instead of leading intentionally.
Be transparent, not performative
Teams can smell forced positivity from a mile away. People want authenticity, even when the news isn’t perfect. I make it a point to acknowledge the reality of challenges while still leading with solutions. By being honest about what’s happening and showing confidence in our ability to overcome it, you create trust. People will follow leaders who are genuine, not those who try to mask everything with a smile.
Celebrate small wins
Recognition doesn’t always have to wait for a big, tangible success. I’ve found that acknowledging small victories – whether it’s a team member solving a tricky problem or simply showing initiative – keeps morale high and encourages momentum. These little moments compound, reminding your team that their work matters and that effort is noticed. Celebrating small wins also reinforces a culture of positivity and resilience, which becomes crucial when bigger challenges hit.
Energy audits
It sounds simple, but I regularly ask myself: “How am I showing up today?” Before meetings, client calls, or even casual interactions, I pause and reflect on my energy. Am I reactive? Focused? Curious? Energised? Being conscious of how you present yourself allows you to course-correct in real time. It’s not about perfection – it’s about intention. And when you lead intentionally, your team mirrors that behaviour naturally.
As we head further into 2025, with AI, hybrid work, and constant disruption reshaping businesses, the human element remains more important than ever.
Machines can do tasks but they can’t inspire, motivate, or set the emotional tone for a team. That’s our job as leaders. If we get our energy right, everything else follows.
I’ve learned that leadership is contagious, for better or worse.
The more intentional you are with your attitude, the stronger and more resilient your team becomes. And when your team thrives, your business does too.
Simple? Yes. Easy? Not always. But it’s always worth it.
