Becoming Stronger: An Energy Audit
Ever feel like you’re running on empty, despite ticking off tasks all day? The truth is, leadership isn’t just about managing time — it’s about managing your energy. That’s where an energy audit comes in.
An energy audit helps you assess how well you’re using your physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual energy. It’s a powerful tool to spot where your energy is flowing, where it’s draining, and where small adjustments could have a big impact.
By understanding and balancing these five types of energy, you’ll not only perform at your best but also lead with greater clarity, resilience, and purpose. Ready to find out where your energy is going? Let’s break it down.
1. Physical energy: This is fundamental to effective leadership. Leaders who manage their energy levels can enhance their performance and positively influence their teams. Consider the following strategies to optimise your physical energy:
Align tasks with energy peaks: Schedule demanding activities during periods of peak alertness, typically mid-morning for many of us.
Incorporate regular breaks: Implementing short breaks between high-intensity work periods can boost productivity.
Maintain balanced nutrition: Consuming regular, nutrient-rich meals helps sustain energy levels, supporting cognitive function.
Engage in physical activity: Integrate movement into your workday; even brief walks can enhance cognitive performance. Those that have worked with me before will know I am a big fan of the "Walkie Talkie" for any 121 meetings virtually or F2F they are a great way to build walking and the outside into your day.
2. Mental Energy: How We Think, Microsoft's Work Trend Index 2022 revealed that leaders spend about 60% of their time in meetings and managing immediate tasks rather than strategic thinking. During transitions the pressure to be reactive can be even higher. Protecting your mental energy isn't selfish – it's essential. Some potential helps here:
Ring-fence 2-hour blocks for deep work
Create 'meeting-free' zones in your week
Use the two-minute rule: if it takes less time than that, do it now
Set clear decision frameworks (your team will thank you)
3. Emotional Energy: How We Feel
Research from the Harvard Business Review's Leadership study shows that a leader's emotional state creates a ripple effect through their organisation, impacting everything from decision-making to team collaboration. Here's what works for some of my clients:
Check in with yourself daily (a simple mood tracker can be of use)
Find a mentor or coach (we all need someone in our corner)
Celebrate wins, however small
Schedule proper downtime (and stick to it!)
4. Social Energy: How We Connect
In our hybrid working world, this one's more crucial than ever. Your social energy fuels collaboration and innovation:
Create intentional connection moments (virtual cuppa, anyone?)
Balance team and one-to-one time alongside the deep work time
Build psychological safety (it's not just management speak)
Foster genuine relationships beyond work tasks
5. Spiritual Energy: What We Believe and Nurture
This is about your deeper purpose and values:
Align your actions with your values daily or as often as possible
Make time for reflection at the end of each week
Connect your work to your personal mission
Nurture practices that ground you (meditation, journaling, whatever works for you)