From Ego to Intention: How Energy Transforms Leadership
We all view the world through personal filters shaped by our experiences, values, and assumptions. These filters influence how we think, feel, and act—especially under pressure.
The Energy Leadership™ framework introduces a powerful idea: Your energy—not your environment—determines your experience. And you can shift your energy at any time.
What Is Energy in Leadership?
In the ELI model, energy shows up in two primary forms: Low Energy (Catabolic) and High Energy (Anabolic)
Low Energy (Catabolic): This is fear-based energy. It shows up when we feel threatened, judged, or out of control. The ego takes over—trying to protect us from loss, failure, or looking bad.
It sounds like:
“This always happens to me.”
“If I don’t win, I lose.”
“They’re the problem.”
It feels like:
Draining
Rigid
Reactive
High Energy (Anabolic): This is conscious, expansive energy. You respond with clarity, creativity, and purpose. The ego doesn’t disappear—but it no longer drives your choices. You lead from values, not fear.
It sounds like:
“What can I learn here?”
“How might we grow from this?”
“What’s the bigger opportunity?”
It feels like:
Engaged
Collaborative
Visionary
The Shift from Reaction to Response
This model helps leaders move from unconscious reaction to intentional response. When you raise your awareness, you can shift your energy—and that shift creates better results: higher performance, healthier teams, deeper fulfillment, and sustainable impact. The Energy Leadership Index (ELI) assessment and debrief make these patterns visible—and coachable.
What About the Ego?
The ego isn’t bad. It’s the part of you that wants to be seen, stay safe, and be in control. It is deeply tied to our identity, assumptions, and past conditioning. But when the ego runs the show, your leadership becomes reactive, rigid, and defensive. In ELI coaching, we help you recognize the ego’s voice, reframe the stories it tells, and choose a more powerful energy level.
E.G.O. Reframe Tool
Here is a tool that you can use to coach yourself. When tension, conflict, or stress shows up, try this:
E – Examine the story
“What am I telling myself right now?”
“What is my ego trying to protect?”
G – Gauge the energy
“What level of energy am I in?”
“Is this helping or hurting me?”
O – Opt for a shift
“What energy level would serve me better?”
“What would I say or do if I let go of fear and led from vision?”
Final Thought: Awareness is Critical
The more conscious you are, the more you can shift your energy—and the greater your leadership impact becomes. You don’t have to eliminate the ego. But you can choose to lead beyond it. And, it all starts with awareness. You have to be aware enough to quickly identify when tension, conflict and stress arise.
Want to explore your leadership energy?
I offer a personalized ELI assessment and debrief to help you uncover what’s driving your patterns—and how to unlock your next level of leadership. Learn more
