Hey Chief Executive – How is your leading energy right now?
- truthaboutlocalgov
- May 8
- 3 min read
Updated: May 10
Energetics – Not Just a Buzzword
Yes, I know it might sound a bit 'woo woo,' but energetics are more than a buzzword. You know how to do your job (regardless of that imposter), and the difference that makes the difference is the cumulative energy you bring to your role. This is especially critical now, with the Local Government Review on the horizon. Your energy will influence how your council navigates change, how your senior team stays engaged, and how you build resilience across the organisation.
Your energy, your language, and your mindset have a ripple effect that you don't always see, feel, or hear. As you prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead, consider this:
"The energy of the leader is the energy of the team. If the leader's energy is low, the team's energy will be low. If the leader's energy is high, the team's energy will be high." - John C. Maxwell
What kind of energy do you bring into your leadership each day?
It isn’t just about getting through the daily grind—it’s about the influence you exert on every level of your organisation. Let’s break it down into four areas:
Emotional Energy: How do you handle stress and setbacks? In a landscape where local government faces constant scrutiny and budget constraints, your emotional energy sets the tone. A composed CEO inspires confidence and stability, even when tough decisions loom.
Mental Energy: Are you focused and clear-headed? With the Local Government Review, you’re balancing multiple priorities—strategic planning, community impact, and political relationships. Strong mental energy helps you maintain clarity amidst complexity.
Physical Energy: How do you feel at the end of a long day? Your stamina affects your ability to lead with presence, whether in council meetings or community forums. A drained leader struggles to inspire others. Take care of your own energy to sustain your impact.
Spiritual Energy: What drives you? In public service, purpose is everything. Whether it’s improving community outcomes, driving innovation, or supporting your team, a clear sense of purpose guides your decisions and sustains your resilience.
The Ripple Effect of Your Energy – Especially Now
Your energy isn’t contained within you—it radiates throughout your organisation. As you prepare for the Local Government Review:
Shaping Organisational Culture: Your energy sets the tone for how your senior team handles change. A CEO who leads with optimism can cultivate a proactive, solutions-focused culture, while a stressed, reactive approach can breed anxiety and resistance.
Influencing Employee Morale and Performance: Your senior team takes their cues from you. If you show up with confidence and clarity, they will too. If you’re overwhelmed, it can trickle down, leading to disengagement or poor performance.
"Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge. And that requires energy, passion, and commitment." - Simon Sinek
Driving Strategic Decision-Making: Clear, aligned energy helps you make sound decisions—especially when balancing political pressures, public expectations, and financial realities.
Building Resilience and Adaptability: How you respond to the challenges of the Local Government Review will set the standard for your team’s resilience. A calm, composed leader creates a stable foundation in uncertain times.
When Your Energy is Off Balance – Signs to Watch For:
Generated Urgency and Impatience: Are you pushing for immediate solutions without considering long-term impacts? This can happen when stress dominates your energy. The Review process requires strategic patience and clarity.
Lack of Presence: Are you physically in meetings but mentally elsewhere? Distracted leadership can cause your team to lose confidence in decisions and feel disconnected.
Poor Attention Span and Short-Term Thinking: Are you overwhelmed by day-to-day demands? Missing the bigger picture can lead to missed opportunities for transformation.
Make One Small Adjustment Today
I encourage you to take a moment now—step into your energy and make one small adjustment today. You’ll see, feel, and even hear that ripple effect across your team and organisation.
If energetic leadership is critical for you right now—especially with the Local Government Review—reach out and ask me about leadership team coaching based on energy, language, and mindset. Together, we can create the shift that’s the difference that makes the difference in your council.
You know how to do your job. But do you know how to harness your energy for public sector success?
Have a great day.
Sue Naughton-Marsh
Leadership Coach | Organisational Development StrategistHelping CEOs and HR Leaders transform their teams with energy, language, and mindset.
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