Energy

WHO

Solo+Buddy+Group

WHERE

Group-room

YOU NEED

A3 Paper

FACILITATOR

Host

Introduction: "In an article in the Harvard business review in 2007, American consultant Tony Schwartz argues that it's your energy you can control, not your time. Schwartz believes that many push themselves too hard. Even though they control their time, they work a lot and compensate by working more when something is urgent or important. Schwartz's premise is that time is a limited resource, while energy can be replenished. In this context, he defines energy as working capacity. His message is that organizations and individuals must take responsibility for their energy balance, which will increase the efficiency of individuals and in the business as a whole. A place to start, Schwartz claims, is to make an analysis of how you spend your energy.

Therefore, there are several who claim that a leader's capacity, that is, the time, the attention and the surplus of energy he or she has, is the most important when it comes to leading others." (Karp, 2016, own translation)

The trait research finds that energy level, physical stamina, and stress tolerance are associated with managerial effectiveness. The high energy level and stress tolerance help managers cope with the hectic pace, long hours, and unrelenting demands of most managerial jobs. (Yukl, 2013)

Link to "Manage your energy, not your time" By, Tony Schwartz

Intention: The intention of this task is to become more aware of where we gain and lose energy, so that we can improve our capacity by gradually influencing own behavior. We look inwards at our habits, habits of mind and ways of being to notice what gives and drains our energy. As humans, we are complex systems, and the physical, emotional, social etc factors all interact and influence each other. Here, we are most interested in identifying the opportunities that you have in your life that have the most impact for you, as well as the moments where you lose energy the most. Focusing on what gives you energy is like building a strong immune system. It gives a strong foundation to deal resiliently with changes and stress during good times and makes it possible to build up your capacity again after a setback.

How:

1

(30min) Draw a line in the middle of a blank A3 sheet and write on one side what gives you energy and on the other side what drains your energy. Try not to fixate on specific situations, but look for trends and patterns. Write down everything from diet, rest, sleep and exercise, to situations and people that somehow affect you.

2

(10min) Reflect on the result. How is the balance if you see the bigger picture and over a wider time span? Which actions can you take if you aren't satisfied?

3

(20min) Pair up with your buddy and discuss which actions/habits you can commit to do/apply.

4

(30min) Share your reflections one at the time with the rest of the group. Make sure that you have time for questions.

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