Henry Cloud says, “Every leader must consider whether what they are doing will create positive or negative energy.”

Do you embrace the idea that you contribute to the energy generated by your team or your family? In my experience, many people do not.

Many will say that energy is a personal issue.  I’ll take care of mine.  You take care of yours.  But that denies the reality.

If a leader is passive, the team will be too.

If the mom has a bad attitude, the kids will also have a bad attitude.

Negative energy from a leader can be overcome, but it takes courageous followers who are fully aware of the need to create a positive vibe. Trying to run against the leadership grain has risks.

I use the term “lead where you stand.”  Every situation has leadership.  I’ve learned that when I enter a new environment, I should be on the lookout for leadership.

If it’s positive and purposeful, I get in line and follow along.

If it’s negative and aimless, I try to boost the energy and suggest ways leaders might emerge.

If I can’t make a difference, I move on.  Life’s too short to linger in a group without leaders.

Leading where you stand starts with bringing good energy and helping others by influencing them to have good energy, too.

-Howe Q Wallace Jr