Energizing Employees for Change
Cathie Leimbach • December 10, 2024
Let's talk about the third E in the “Three Es of Effective Change”: Energize.
Think of it like this. You want to climb a really big mountain. It's going to be tough, right? You need a lot of energy to get to the top. And just like summiting that mountain, transforming a whole company is a big challenge.
So, how do you get your team energized and ready to climb that mountain?
- Well, first, you've got to be clear about where you're going and why it's important. Tell them the big picture, the vision. Explain why this change is going to make things better for everyone.
- Next, make sure everyone knows their role in this journey. Show them how their work fits into the bigger puzzle. This will help them feel like they're making a difference.
- But talking isn't enough. You need to listen too. Have open conversations with your team. Let them share their thoughts and concerns. This will help you understand their perspective and make sure they feel heard.
- Finally, give your managers the tools they need to inspire their teams. Train them on how to communicate effectively and motivate their people.
Remember, when everyone feels energized and involved, it's a lot easier to climb that mountain – or implement a major change in your organization. It's like having a whole bunch of cheerleaders cheering each other on!
Based on insights from James Hewitt's "Regenerative Performance" Something's not adding up in today's workplace. While companies demand more from their teams, the results tell a concerning story. Research shows that 50% of employees now show clear signs of burnout, and an alarming 73% feel disconnected from their work. James Hewitt, performance expert and author of "Regenerative Performance," points to a critical mismatch. We're asking people to perform at peak levels without giving them what they need to recover and recharge. Think of it like a smartphone. You can't expect your phone to run at full power all day without plugging it in. Yet that's exactly what we're doing to our workforce. We pile on meetings, deadlines, and pressure while cutting back on the very things that restore energy: breaks, development time, and meaningful connection. The solution isn't working less—it's working smarter. Hewitt's research reveals that sustainable high performance comes from balancing intense effort with intentional recovery. Teams that build in time to recharge actually outperform those that push through exhaustion. Smart leaders are already making the shift. They're protecting their people's energy as carefully as they manage their budgets. Because burned-out employees don't just hurt themselves—they hurt the bottom line too. Want to dive deeper into this issue? View The Burnout Crisis to understand the full scope of this workplace challenge. "Sustainable high performance comes from the rhythm of oscillation—not from the intensity of effort alone." —James Hewitt
Craig Groeschel's Blueprint for Real Leadership