*This post is the fifth in a seven part series on Energy Leadership.
Here we are at Energy Level 5, moderate to high anabolic energy, found in the greatest leaders in all walks of life. These great leaders don’t see problems or challenges, only opportunity. They live in solution frequency, and a operate with a “what’s working” mindset.
Remember, we don’t operate 100 percent of the time at any one level. We are constantly moving to and from based on our surroundings and our situations. But what does matter is our “average” or where we spend the most amount of time.
Leaders who resonate at this level have a profound sense of peace about their lives and their careers. More than that, they want people to work cooperatively with each other and reconcile their differences.
Former HP CEO Carly Fiorina was an Energy Level 5 leader. In her book, Tough Choices, Carly details her rise from mother to CEO and one story in particular showcase her leadership. In 1997, she was offered the job of president for the Global Service Providers Business. And while that doesn’t mean anything to most of us, according to Carly, that unit represented a huge amount of business for Lucent. But she had reservations. The job, while very high in the company, didn’t have much control over the resources used to drive this particular business unit. She told Lucent she needed two weeks to decide – and promptly took her first two-week vacation of her life.
Now I bet you’re wondering: How does this relate to seeking peace as a leader? Well, in order to be an Energy Level 5 leader, you must be at peace in your life and your career. Carly writes that even when they offered more money and stock options, it didn’t make up her mind. “But money does not win my heart, and my heart has to be in the job I choose.” That’s what made her a great leader at HP. This book details the many battles and differences she encountered in her years at Lucent and then HP, and how she always sought to diffuse tension and build a consensus for the betterment of the overall goals of the company.
Much has been said about Carly, but this story definitely shows how dedicated she was to building a solid team and doing things for the “right” reasons.
So what happens then when someone does care, is at peace, looks for opportunity around every corner and also has a plan and holds everyone accountable – including themselves?
To learn more about Energy Leadership, visit iPEC Coaching at www.ipeccoaching.com
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