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!
In Erica Dhawan’s book, Get Big Things Done, she defines Connectional Intelligence as the ability to combine knowledge, networks, and relationships to drive meaningful results. In today’s busy workplace, it’s not just what you know—it’s how well you connect that turns good ideas into big outcomes. Strong Connectional Intelligence within a team strengthens workplace morale and productivity by impacting four key attributes of high-performance cultures: Value Visibly – People perform better when they know their contributions matter. Leaders who highlight strengths, acknowledge effort, and celebrate progress create a culture where great work becomes contagious. Communicate Carefully – In an age of nonstop messages, clarity is a competitive advantage. Thoughtful communication reduces confusion, prevents conflict, and ensures that everyone moves forward with shared understanding. Collaborate Confidently – Connectional Intelligence flourishes when people feel empowered to contribute. Confident collaboration means inviting diverse perspectives, leveraging individual superpowers, and creating space for smart problem-solving. Trust Totally – Trust is the anchor of all high-performing teams. When leaders show reliability, transparency, and empathy, people take risks, share ideas, and stay aligned toward common goals. Connectional Intelligence helps teams innovate faster, break down silos, and accomplish what truly matters. Want to learn more? Visit Erica Dhawan’s website to explore her full body of work and deepen your understanding of Connectional Intelligence.
When people hear “psychological safety,” they often imagine a workplace where everything feels easy and conflict-free. But that’s not what true psychological safety is — and it’s not what high-performing teams need. As leadership expert R. Michael Anderson points out, work and life include tough days, unexpected problems, and moments that stretch us. A psychologically safe workplace doesn’t remove those realities. Instead, it gives people the confidence and support to face them. A safe workplace is one where employees can struggle without fear of embarrassment… try new skills without being put down… ask questions, make mistakes, and keep moving forward. It’s a place where people know their leader is behind them — not by preventing discomfort, but by helping them learn through it. Psychological safety isn’t about coddling or creating a predictable bubble. Real safety looks like this: · You may hear difficult feedback, but it helps you grow. · You are encouraged to take risks, and supported when you slip. · You are stretched beyond your comfort zone, and guided along the way. When leaders create this balance — support plus stretch — people build resilience, confidence, and higher performance. To explore more of these ideas, visit R. Michael Anderson's website .