Building Energy Within a Team: A Guide to Increased Motivation, Confidence, and Team Performance

Igniting Teamwork: Building Energy From Within

Apr 30, 2023

Hi Friends, Welcome to another weekly edition of ByGeorge! Hope you are all doing well and that you have been having a splendid weekend so far.

In last week’s post, I discussed how to Build a high-performing team that can be successful. If you haven’t read it yet, please do so here.

One of my closest friends as well as critics called me out and said that I did not mention a key ingredient that we deploy quite often in regular daily business which is more on the softer side but is an enabler to delivering results and is actually one of the personality traits that we are recognized by.

Energy

He is right. This is often not a topic that gets discussed because it is one of the “soft stuff”. Whenever I have been in a position to restructure teams I have looked for individuals that bring essential skills and my must-have - Attitude. If they have these covered, then building team energy and camaraderie is my role as a leader.

Energy can come from a variety of different places. For me I get a lot of energy being around my family. I also get energy by doing a good workout, eating healthy, and learning new things. It also comes from being around energetic people who motivate me, challenge me, and provoke my thinking. In other words, people who help me grow my perspective are a source of energy for me.

A couple of years ago we had a companywide program in my workplace through a consulting company where they taught us that building energy in the work environment can also be achieved through small exercises (planks, wall sits, pushups, etc.) that get the blood flowing and this is where I became aware of the concept of Energy in the workplace.

So, for the post last week, consider that as the Build Mode or Construction of a team - that was Stage One.

Today we cover Stage Two or Run Mode. In this mode, we talk about how to run a high-performing team in regular day-to-day business with a focus on Energy and how to build it. In this article, we’ll explore why energy is so critical in the workplace and how you can build it effectively.

In today's fast-paced and competitive business environment, the importance of building energy within a team cannot be overstated. A team with positive energy is more likely to be motivated, confident, and experience increased camaraderie, morale, and mental health. These factors, in turn, lead to improved results and team performance.

Over my career, I have been fortunate to work for leaders that have a knack for picking you up when you are at the bottom, or when the team has had a setback, they are able to quickly turn around the mood by bringing in positivity and helping us stay on track and focus on the mission, instead of focusing on the setback.

As a leader, I have tried to do the same with my team. Back them up when needed, provide the occasional pep talk, focus on the strengths of the team, call out the collective weakness, and most importantly have fun together.

In this article, I will share some thoughts on how leaders and team members can contribute to building energy within a team.

The Power of Positive Energy in the Workplace

Between 2010 and 2014 I was working in Dubai for a particular leader. Having newly come onto this team from another role, I found a sense of team spirit, unlike something I experienced in another office (although working for the same organization). There was a level of unity amongst the leaders within the leadership that percolated down to the teams doing the work. The collaboration was at a high. Disagreements and problems were out in the open and there were tough discussions, but once a decision for the collective was made, it was all hands on deck, pulling in the same direction. No politics, no personal agendas (if any, these were the exception) - Business comes first. About 17-20 different nationalities and a multitude of experiences and backgrounds.

The results that this team achieved were spectacular. So what was it that made it special? ….. Energy. The leadership team worked like a well-oiled machine and the team was one unit. Everyone had everyone’s back. No kinks in the armor and the larger team would only hear a unified message. The leaders would drive their respective teams in a similar manner and drive the team toward goals through collaboration and engagement.

Positive energy within a team is a powerful force that can significantly impact the overall performance and success of an organization. When team members are motivated and confident, they are more likely to take on challenges, think creatively, and work collaboratively. This increased motivation and confidence can lead to higher levels of productivity and innovation, ultimately driving better results for the organization.

Moreover, a team with positive energy fosters camaraderie and strong interpersonal relationships, which are essential for effective teamwork. When team members feel connected and supported, they are more likely to trust one another, share ideas, and work together towards common goals. This sense of camaraderie can also contribute to improved morale and mental health, as team members feel valued and appreciated for their contributions.

"When people are financially invested, they want a return. When people are emotionally invested, they want to contribute." - Simon Sinek. This quote highlights the importance of building positive energy in a team. We don’t spend energy on things we are not emotional about. When individuals feel emotionally invested, they are more likely to contribute positively and work towards achieving the team’s goals.

Just as a side note, I had the opportunity to work for that same leader as part of his leadership team for a couple of years and also flew to his retirement party last year, together with a few of the other leaders who worked with him. Most of us who have worked with this leader have built lifelong friendships with each other as well. That’s the impact great leaders have on their people.

Now let’s dive into how a leader can build energy within the team, and how can an individual within a team contribute to building the energy.

Building Energy Within the Team

Leader’s perspective

Here I list down some of the lessons I have learned from leaders that I admire and have observed from close proximity. Leaders play a crucial role in fostering positive energy within their teams. By setting the tone and creating an environment that encourages collaboration, motivation, and trust, leaders can significantly impact the overall energy of their team. Here are some strategies for leaders to build energy within their teams:

Communicate a clear vision and purpose: A team that understands its purpose and goals is more likely to be motivated and engaged. Leaders should communicate a clear vision for the team, ensuring that each member understands how their work contributes to the overall success of the organization. The clarity of direction is of prime importance here and buy-in from the team executing the work is only achieved when they know where they are all headed.
Encourage open communication and feedback: Open communication is essential for building trust and fostering positive energy within a team. Leaders should create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and feedback without fear of judgment or retribution. I have had experiences on both sides of the coin - one where free dialogue is encouraged, and other where open communication is a buzzword. It’s a nightmare working in these kinds of teams in which people are more concerned about personal optics.
Celebrate team members' accomplishments: Celebrating and recognizing team members' successes can improve morale and drive. The efforts and accomplishments of their team, both individually and collectively, should be acknowledged by leaders.
Offer opportunities for learning and development: Giving team members chances to advance their knowledge and skills can boost their motivation and engagement. Leaders should promote their team member's professional development by giving them access to tools and resources. I have personally had the opportunities to grow because of this part and on my part, I try to do the same for teams that work for me.
Set a good example for your team by acting in the ways you want them to act and think. Leaders can motivate their team members to emulate their optimistic outlook, hard work ethic, and dedication to the group's success. There is an old adage that says “Don’t do what I say, do what I do” but the leaders that are trustworthy are the ones who are consistent at both.

Individual or Team member perspective

As a team member, here are some ways you can contribute to building energy from within the team:

Attitude: “Attitude is everything, so pick a good one”. A positive attitude can go a long way in building team energy. Positivity can help create a supportive work environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated.
Be proactive and take the initiative: Taking the initiative to provide suggestions, help, and deal with problems can contribute to the development of a pleasant and spirited environment within the team.
Support and encouragement for your teammates: You don’t need to be a leader to show support to your peers or teammates. Good teammates provide support and encouragement and help promote teamwork and trust. Be sure to congratulate them on their accomplishments and lend a hand if necessary.
Maintain a positive attitude: A positive attitude can be contagious, and maintaining a positive outlook can help boost the overall energy of the team. Focus on solutions rather than problems, and approach challenges with optimism and determination.
Keep a positive outlook: Positivity has the power to spread, and keeping a positive outlook can help the team as a whole feel more energized. Instead of focusing on issues, consider solutions, and attack difficulties with optimism and tenacity. Don’t sugarcoat your message, but also don’t be overtly offensive in how you communicate. The goal is to motivate your peers so stay on subject, and keep it objective.
Invest in your own growth and development: You are the master of your own destiny. There may be people to help out but giving away your control and leaving others to steer your life will leave you disappointed. Take the initiative to learn skills that are not available in your present team, and then try to share that knowledge with others. When individuals come together to share and learn, there is a positive energy that leads to increased motivation.

"The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team." - Simon Sinek

Some considerations and takeaways

If you are in a leadership role, consider the energy within your team. Think of what actions could help make a bigger impact. Do you have team exercises to build energy and engagement? How often do you do these things? Have you taken feedback? Do you often take stock of successes and appreciate the individuals? Maybe you do all of these above but inconsistently, and if so then try and make a plan to revisit these on a frequent basis. Small steps taken consistently have a larger impact.

If you are a team member, think of how you can contribute to the energy of the team. Maintaining a positive attitude, taking initiative, and setting an excellent example as team members can also help the group generate energy. A team's success depends on creating a favorable atmosphere.

Let me know what have been your best experiences in a team. I would love to hear from you about what creates the best energy for you. In what environments have you been able to thrive? Share your comments here!

By George!

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