Energy in Leadership: Fueling Yourself and Others
“You cannot give others that which you are not experiencing.”
Leadership is more than direction and decisions—it’s the energy you bring into every room. Energy is contagious. It’s either lifting others higher or pulling them lower.
Think about it: you’ve probably encountered both types of leaders. Some walk in with focus, positivity, and calm—suddenly the atmosphere feels lighter, and you feel more capable. Others walk in tense, cynical, or drained, and everyone around them feels the weight. That’s the real power of energy in leadership.
Proverbs 17:22 says: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” The energy you carry has the ability to heal or to drain.
What Is Energy in Leadership?
Energy is the unseen current of your leadership—it’s how people feel when they interact with you. It’s not just your words or your vision, but your presence.
Positive energy brings clarity, focus, and motivation.
Negative energy spreads stress, discouragement, and division.
Here’s the hard truth: your team, family, or organization will reflect the energy you give. If you’re showing up consistently drained or distracted, that will echo through the culture you’re building.
Reflection Question: What kind of energy do people consistently feel after spending time with you—lighter or heavier?
Why Energy Matters
Energy matters because people follow more than instructions—they follow example. If you want people to be hopeful, focused, and resilient, then you need to model those qualities in your energy.
One way to think about it is this: energy is leadership currency. Every interaction is either a deposit (adding life, hope, and motivation) or a withdrawal (draining joy and clarity). Over time, the balance will show.
Energy Killers vs. Energy Builders
Here’s a quick guide to identify what drains your energy versus what strengthens it.
Energy Killers:
Constant negativity or complaining
Poor sleep and inconsistent rest
Unclear boundaries (saying “yes” to everything)
Dwelling on mistakes or failures
Toxic environments or relationships
Busyness without purpose
Energy Builders:
Quality sleep and recovery time
Daily gratitude practices
Movement (exercise, stretching, even walking)
Moments of silence, meditation, or prayer
Time spent with life-giving people
Clear priorities and intentional focus
Reflection Question: Which two “energy killers” do you need to eliminate, and which two “energy builders” can you add into your life this week?
Recharging Your Leadership Energy
You can’t pour from an empty cup. If your tank is running on fumes, your leadership will eventually suffer. Most leaders don’t burn out because of the work itself—they burn out because they never learned how to recharge.
Jesus modeled this perfectly: “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16). Even in the middle of massive responsibility, He protected time to refuel.
Here are practical ways to recharge:
Movement: Physical activity clears the mind and resets energy.
Rest: Sleep and rhythm matter more than we admit.
Gratitude: Focusing on what’s good shifts your mindset.
Meditation/Stillness: Taking time to slow your thoughts and breathe deeply.
Healthy Inputs: The content, conversations, and environments you choose shape your energy.
Reflection Question: What’s one area of your personal life—sleep, health, mindset, or spiritual life—that might be draining your leadership energy?
A 10-Minute Energy Reset
Here’s a meditation exercise I personally use to reset my energy:
Set a timer for 10 minutes.
Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and focus on the rhythm of your inhale and exhale. Notice if your inhale or exhale is longer.
Count your breaths and notice how your body feels when you inhale vs exhale.
Begin to shift your thoughts to a joyful memory—what did you see, smell, or feel? Picture it vividly.
Ask yourself: “How can I experience this same joy today?”
Visualize your energy like a phone battery charging back to 100%. Visualize yourself throwing away anxiety and fear into the ocean while standing on the back of an anchored ship.
When you open your eyes, notice how your spirit feels. Are you calmer? Lighter? More focused?
The Ripple Effect of Energy
Every leader has a ripple effect. The energy you carry is multiplied by the people you influence. That’s why protecting your energy is just as important as setting strategy.
Galatians 6:9 reminds us: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” The way you manage your energy often determines whether you’ll make it to that harvest—or burn out before it arrives.
Closing Challenge
Energy is not optional in leadership—it’s essential. You’re not just leading tasks; you’re shaping atmospheres.
Your Challenge This Week:
Identify two habits that’s draining your energy. Commit to changing them.
Choose one daily rhythm to recharge (prayer, journaling, exercise, stillness) and practice it every day for 7 days.
At the end of each day, ask yourself: “Did I add life today, or did I drain it?”
When your energy is anchored in peace, hope, and clarity, others will feel it—and follow it.