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!
As the New Year approaches, it’s a natural time to look forward and ask what you want the next chapter to bring. One simple way to reflect to ask yourself three questions to create a stronger year ahead, what should you: Stop?, Continue?, and Start? Stop focusing energy on habits, meetings, or expectations that no longer serve you or your team. This might mean letting go of outdated processes, unnecessary urgency, or ways of working that drain momentum without adding value. Continue the practices that helped you gain traction this year. Think about what worked—perhaps clear communication, strong collaboration, consistent follow-through, or time spent developing people. These are the behaviors worth protecting and reinforcing. Start being intentional about what will move you forward in 2026. This could include setting clearer priorities, investing in leadership development, building healthier team rhythms, or creating space for innovation and growth. Taking time to reflect now helps you enter the New Year with purpose rather than pressure. Small, thoughtful shifts can create meaningful impact over time. Ready to turn reflection into action? 👉 View our Stop • Continue • Start Worksheet for a simple, practical way to reset priorities, build on what’s working, and step into 2026 with clarity and momentum.
As the year comes to a close, it’s worth pausing to ask a simple question: What brought you joy this year at work and in life? Joy doesn’t always arrive in big, headline moments. Often, it shows up quietly—in meaningful conversations, shared laughter, progress made, lessons learned, or the steady presence of people who support us. Sometimes joy is found in growth, sometimes in rest, and sometimes in simply getting through a challenging season with resilience and grace. Take a few minutes to reflect. What moments made you smile? When did you feel most connected? For what are you grateful? This reflection isn’t about ignoring the hard parts of the year. It’s about honoring the bright spots that sustained you through them. Recognizing joy helps us close the year with perspective and open the next one with hope. As the holidays approach, give yourself permission to slow down, savor meaningful moments, and share joy with others—through kindness, gratitude, and presence. May this season be filled with moments that lift your spirit, and may you carry that joy with you into the year ahead. 👉 Take a moment to pause this season—view the Reflecting on Joy one-pager and reflect on what brought meaning to your work and life this year. Wishing you a truly joy-filled Christmas season .