An important leadership skill is the ability to recognize energy fields.

This means identifying how relationships exist in space and time. In other words, a good leader can identify two energy fields at the time of interactions:

  • What is in the space
  • What is trying to emerge in that space

    • Whether a team is in person or over the phone, you and others create an energy field. And tuning into this field allows you to gather valuable information. The questions are these:

  • How do you gather that information?
  • How do you assess what you have tapped into?

    • Tools for Tapping into the Energy Fields

    Think of tapping into the fields as a type of listening. This listening goes beyond your ears to involve the rest of your body. It also uses all of your senses, including the sixth.

  • Observe words, body languages, tones and postures.
  • Notice attitudes, energy levels and emotions.
  • Tap into what is not being said and how the silence lands.
  • Detect connectedness or lack of it.

    • Let me shed light on 7 types of energy fields from which you will be leading.

    7 Types of Energy Fields to Understand

  • The Merry-Go-Round – There is a lot of trying in the space. And in that trying is round and round movement with confusion and frustration. The team is holding back and not going anywhere.
  • The Eggshell – There is a feeling of tentativeness and carefulness in the space. Politeness and political correctness show up. A desire to be agreeable and right is present. The team is guarded, watching what they say and do.
  • The Threshold – There is a feeling of heat in the space. Anger, aggressiveness and /or rebellion are felt. The team is tense, on edge, and ready to boiling over.
  • The Dead Zone – There is a lack of energy in space. The arc has long passed its peak. Tolerating and enduring are characteristics on display. The team is flat-lined and bored.
  • The Sunny Side Up – There is a feeling of delight in the space. Playfulness and excitement abound. Laughter fills the airwaves. The team is inspired and energized.
  • The Voyage – There is a feeling of possibility and a sense of adventure in the space. Focus and exploration permeate. The team is curious and engaged.
  • The Mountain Top – There is a feeling of clarity and crispness in the space. Things are in-focus and well-defined. The team is connected and absorbed.
  • The Gratification – There is a feeling joy and reverence in the space. A sense of accomplishment and satisfaction comes through. The team is cohesive, eager and in flow.

    • ##TRENDING##

    With awareness, you can assess the energy fields being created. This assessment will enable you to lead one of two ways: by matching the energy fields or shifting them. Recognizing and working with what’s in the space and trying to emerge in that space is an important skill to develop.