In Jon Gordon’s book The Energy Bus he shares, “You got to be strong enough to tell people that you will not allow any negativity on your bus.” In fact, Rule #6 says, “No Energy Vampires Allowed” on your bus.
There are “energy vampires” that threaten our work. These “energy vampires” blame, complain, and defend their pessimism. It is easy to be negative – it becomes an organizational default if it is permitted to plant roots. We must be purposeful in our actions; we must be intentional in our actions. We must, with skill and purpose, tell people with negative energy that there is no place for negativism in our organization.
Leadership is tough in good times; it takes discipline and skill during challenging times. The tough conversations require us to get our minds right and to step up.
You know the energy vampires on your team. I bet you are identifying them in your self-talk right now. So, what are you going to do about it? Next time you are confronted by these energy vampires, how will you press pause, get your mind right, and step up? It is predictable – be prepared.
You are strong enough. I have confidence in you. Leadership requires you to be purposeful with your expectation for optimism, to be intentional in demands for behavior, and to be skillful sharing clear expectations. Leadership isn’t easy – be prepared.
Life in Focus 