As a leader, time management is a key to success. However, research has shown that managing your energy can have an even more profound impact on your performance, and that of your team.

We should manage energy, not just time, because energy is a renewable resource, while time is a finite one. Scholars argue that energy management is the key to high performance and that leaders who invest in their energy are more productive, engaged, and resilient.

According to Tony Schwartz and Catherine McCarthy in the 2007 Harvard Business Review article "Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time", there are four sources of energy that leaders can manage to improve their performance: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.

Physical energy is the most basic and obvious source of energy, and it's the foundation for all the others. Physical energy is generated through good nutrition, exercise, and sufficient sleep.

Emotional energy is the energy of human connection. It's generated through positive interactions with others, feelings of empathy and compassion, and a sense of purpose.

Mental energy is the energy of focus and attention. It's generated through deep engagement in a task, a sense of challenge, and opportunities for learning and growth.

Finally, spiritual energy is the energy of meaning and purpose. It's generated through a sense of connection to something larger than ourselves, whether that's a higher power, a cause we believe in, or our community.

Managing your energy effectively means protecting and nurturing each source.

Insights are also garnered from another Harvard Business Review article "The Making of a Corporate Athlete," which reminds us that managing energy is the key to high performance.

The authors argue that athletes and musicians understand the importance of energy management, and use it to achieve peak performance. They suggest that leaders should adopt similar practices, such as setting realistic goals, taking regular breaks, and focusing on recovery.

The article also highlights the importance of gaining a return of energy from the people you invest it in, effectively "paying it forward."

When you invest energy into others, they are more likely to reciprocate, creating a positive cycle of energy exchange. This can lead to transformative outcomes and serendipitous benefits that might not have been otherwise possible.

Invest in your team's wellbeing for higher productivity and more positive energy, leading to a transformative impact on team dynamics and outcomes.

One way to gain a return of energy from your team is to create an environment where they feel valued, respected, and supported. This can be achieved by providing opportunities for growth and development, recognising and celebrating their achievements, and providing regular feedback and coaching.

Another way to gain a return of energy from your team is to encourage them to take breaks and manage their energy effectively. Leaders who model this behaviour demonstrate to their teams that it's essential to prioritise self-care, and it can lead to a more positive and productive work environment.

Furthermore, managing your energy can lead to positive flow states, which are states of deep focus and engagement where time seems to fly by.

When the task at hand is challenging, but we have the skills to complete it, we become deeply engaged, lose track of time, and feel a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Flow states are essential for high-performance teams because they lead to increased engagement, productivity, and creativity. It is a state of optimal performance, where your skills and challenges are perfectly matched. Flow states are associated with increased creativity, innovation, and problem-solving.

However, achieving flow states requires a delicate balance between challenge and skill. If the challenge is too great, you might feel overwhelmed and stressed. If the challenge is too easy, you might feel bored and unengaged.

Modelling energy management is also important for your team's benefit. As a leader, your behaviour sets the tone for the rest of your team. If you are constantly stressed and overworked, your team is likely to follow suit. On the other hand, if you prioritise energy management, your team is more likely to do the same. By modelling healthy habits, you can create a culture of wellbeing and high performance.

Moreover, managing your energy is essential for managing stress levels. When we are stressed, our body releases cortisol, a hormone that regulates our body's stress response. High levels of cortisol can lead to a range of negative health outcomes, including weight gain, high blood pressure, and weakened immune function.

Taking personal time to recharge and manage your energy effectively can help to reduce cortisol levels, leading to a healthier and more balanced life.

Please reach out to the Bermuda Clarity Institute for additional information on supporting and developing your team at bermudaclarityinstitute.com