Energy accounting on a PERSONAL level →

What is that concept all about, you might ask?

Well, to me it is a fine line that distinguish what brings energy into your life - and what drain energy in your life.

Have you noticed how some tasks, some people and some situations simply just drain your energy? Or can you think of examples where you just seem to come out of a meeting or situation and feel revitalized?

I sure can.

I get energy from meeting people that are upbeat, enthusiastic or have a vision. And even more from communicating with people. I get energy from being part of a project, work task or simply just a situation where I can FEEL the energy. Typically I contribute - either by being upbeat or being visibly annoyed. This is very often what happens for me, since I am influenced by the people around me. The ENERGY in a room is being influenced by the people AND their mindset, attitude and body language. Do you agree?

Personally I try to keep tabs. I try to notice WHEN, WHERE and HOW I get energy - and also when I loose it. The more I notice, the more I am able to influence a CHANGE in energy, just by being myself. I think that people that know me well, or have worked with me will testament to the fact that my energy levels are high - and that I mostly contribute with positive energy.

Try to make a line on a paper, okay? Then put ALL the things that give you energy on one side - and ALL the things (or situations or people) that drain your energy on the other side. Does it give you new insight or make it visible what YOU can do to change the energy?

It works for me. Please give me some feedback if it works for you - or you have other methods to register ENERGY.

Culture eats strategy

for breakfast.......

True or false? In my opinion very, very true. You can NOT change a company by employing a new and fancy strategy UNLESS you at the same time address the culture. So how do you do that? Well, there is a number of tactics and tools you can use.

I will post one of them in a later blog - about group dynamics that are essential when you want a new direction in a company, organization or simply just your own private life.

But a key factor is COMMUNICATION. If you want people to go in another direction you have to tell them WHY. You - and most other people - would like to know why you are not supposed to do like you normally do. To do something different requires energy, understanding and commitment, because it is more difficult than to do as you normally do.

Have you read John Kotter's "the Iceberg is melting" - about a penguin colony, whose iceberg is melting. If not - do so! Best change management book ever made - in my humble opinion.

You need to address the underlying issues that confronts people during change. And this is not a generic thing. And people have different speeds in change processes. This is something you have to understand and communicate. And when you have communicated it as much as you think is necessary - then communicate it 10 times more.

Questions? Well, then ask them then!

What is your iceberg looking like? →

Mine is full of CULTURE below the surface - and a lot of vision, mission and action plans above the surface. What is the core of moving the iceberg to a new location? Well, start with the obvious: the culture of the company or organization. This requires courage, openness and tonnes of communication. 

Do you have any inputs about what is essentiel when you want to change or develop a culture that fits the plans that you have to execute?  

Give it here, and I hope that the word can spread. Not an easy subject you might ask? Well, exactly that is why you and I need to exchange ideas. So come forward and pitch in. 

But be humble when you address culture. It is a delicate subject for most people

Your personal brand?

The essence of who you are. Have you ever thought of this topic?

It’s not what you do, it’s how you do your job and why! 

I got this inspiration from a knowledge broker called Kenneth. An article i Harvard Business Review that debates the purpose of your life, no matter if you are a teacher, a leader or housewife. We ALL need a purpose in life. 

What is my purpose in life you might ask? 

Well, basically I WANT TO CHANGE THE WORLD ONE STEP AT THE TIME. And I will do so in getting as many people engaged in this as I possibly can. My purpose is to get a better harmony in our society, build more bridges (not trenches) and have more people develop their full potential in life. 

Does that sound ambitious? Yes, I guess so, but this is me. I think the stars are within possible reach, so why only aim for the moon. And I can SEE that my attitude helps others achieve their goals. As 16 years old I decided to aim for the Olympics - even though I knew it would be a stretch coming from Greenland. But through hard work, living in Norway and chasing my dreams I made it at the age of 23. Everyone has his or her potential- you just have to go out and fullfil YOUR potential. 

What humour can do for a team?

Have you noticed how easy the atmosphere in team can be if there is humour involved? I have noticed that when the group of people I engage with has a touch of humour in the discussions - even in difficult times - then things flow easier. I believe that we as human beings are suffocated if every work situation is grave, serious and in a dark type of atmosphere. I believe that a somewhat upbeat atmosphere engages people on a more fundamental level - and people start building relationships on a deeper level. Maybe a somewhat naive way of looking at things, but nonetheless a proven concept in my business world. Again it has something to do with ENERGY. Energy is the source of group dynamics and this is a lesson I have made over 20+ years of leadership roles.

YOU can change the dynamics in a group by contributing actively with humour. Just be aware that humour is very culturally bound, so you need to develop your own tools of how to do it.  

Currently I have a management team with tonnes of humour. Room for the important, but also room to make jokes and have a blast. In my opion so important i. A high-performing team. 

What do you think? Comments are welcome