Pause. What energy are you bringing into the room?


Leading Others

“Why does this keep happening? I’ve explained it three times, and it’s still not done right. Now I have to talk to them again...”
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Meanwhile, down the hall:
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“I’m dreading this meeting. They always seem rushed and upset with me.”
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Same meeting. Same energy drain. Different reasons.

First, a quick check-in: Last week I committed to three morning walks as part of my 10% energy improvement. Result: only one happened in the morning, but I walked mid-morning or in the afternoon instead. Lesson learned: being in bed by 10 pm wasn’t always realistic, so rather than skipping walks, I moved them to the next opening in my day. That way I got both sleep and movement, and I felt much better! I’m continuing with daily walks this week (today’s already done 😊). How did your 10% go?

One Idea: Energy Channel

Every conversation runs on two channels: the data channel (what you say) and the energy channel (how you show up).

People pick up energy first, and they filter your words through it.

Try this. Imagine someone saying “good.” What tone did you hear first?

  1. Neutral, as in “How was your day?” “Good.”
  2. Relieved, like someone who just found out their train hasn’t left yet.
  3. Sarcastic, with an eye roll and a questioning “good?”

Same word, three completely different messages. You can say something positive on the data channel while the other person feels something completely different. They may not know what’s off, but they won’t feel at ease.

As leaders, our energy is contagious. It spreads through a team faster than anyone else’s.

Back to our frustrated leader. If they walk in on the frustration channel, the team member hears criticism no matter how carefully the words are chosen. They get defensive, the conversation is about protecting themselves, and the mistake will probably happen again.
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If the leader walks in with a curious attitude (“What’s getting in the way here?”), the same conversation becomes about solving the problem. And the leader leaves with more energy, not less.

How you show up changes the conversation, and it changes your own energy, too.

This week's practice: Energy Shift

Before your next conversation with someone who drains or frustrates you:

  1. Pause. Take three slow breaths.
  2. Notice. How do you feel about this person and this conversation?
  3. Name it. If it’s frustration, fear, or annoyance, what is it really about?
  4. Choose. How do you want to show up instead: calm, curious, empathetic? What’s one genuine question you could bring?

You can shift your energy. And like any muscle, the more you practice, the easier it gets.

Think of your own “why do I have to repeat this again” person. What might you be curious about before your next conversation?

Something else, or a question? Hit reply. I read every one.

Next week, we’ll look at protecting your energy with healthy boundaries.

With care and appreciation for your inner work,

Lucie
Founder and fellow practitioner, MindFittery
​Mental & Emotional Fitness Gym for Leaders

PS: That inner voice saying “why do I have to repeat this again?” has a name. Some call it the Judge, and it’s one of 10 mental saboteurs that drain our energy without us noticing. Want to find out which ones run your show? Reply “saboteurs,” and I’ll send you the assessment link, plus an invitation to a short debrief to make sense of your results.


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The Weekly Practice by MindFittery

Any leadership starts with self-leadership. And that's where this newsletter starts too. Week by week, I'll share a small, practical step to help you strengthen your emotional intelligence so you can lead through chaos with more focus, calm, and clarity.

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