The Seven Levels of Energy: A Leadership Perspective
Leadership goes beyond skills and strategies; it’s about energy. How we present ourselves in different situations—whether calm or stressed—greatly impacts our effectiveness. Knowing the seven levels of energy helps leaders understand themselves better, face challenges, and motivate their teams. The Energy Leadership™ Index (ELI) assessment, developed by iPEC, turns the abstract concept of a person's worldview into a concrete measure that can be observed and reassessed over time.
Here’s a look at each level of energy from a leadership perspective and how it influences your impact.
Level 1: Feeling Stuck or Overwhelmed
At this level, leaders may feel like many things are working against them. They experience doubt, fear, and reluctance to act. While everyone faces this sometimes, staying here can stop decision-making and lower morale. A leader at this stage might avoid difficult talks or delay important choices. For example, a leader feeling overwhelmed by changes in the organization might pull back, leaving their team confused and unsupported.
Level 2: Conflict and Resistance
This reflects frustration, blame, and competition. While it may lead to quick results, it often harms trust and relationships. Leaders like this tend to control conversations, create tension, and fail to understand others' viewpoints. For example, a team leader who criticizes the team for missed deadlines instead of looking for underlying issues.
Level 3: Rationalizing and Coping
At this level, leaders aim to handle tough situations well. They accept reality and look for ways to move ahead, even if it requires some compromises. While they keep things stable, they might avoid tackling deeper problems. For example, a director who justifies high employee turnover as "normal for the industry" rather than seeking solutions to improve retention.
Level 4: Helping and Supporting
This level is fueled by empathy and a true wish to help others. Leaders at this stage are very supportive and care about their teams' well-being. While this attitude creates loyalty and strong bonds, excessive focus on others can cause burnout or neglect of personal health. For example, a leader may give up personal time to assist a struggling employee but eventually feel exhausted.
Level 5: Seeing Opportunities in Challenges
This level involves viewing challenges as chances to grow. Leaders here prioritize solutions that help everyone and encourage teamwork. They motivate their teams with positivity and creativity, even when facing difficulties. For instance, a CEO who turns a market decline into an opportunity to innovate and become stronger.
Level 6: Creativity and Flow
At this level, leaders feel inspired and connected. They look at the bigger picture and lead with intuition and passion. This energy generates innovative ideas and creates a sense of purpose in their teams. For example, a leader developing an exciting new project feels motivated and closely aligned with their goals.
Level 7: Ultimate Clarity and Purpose
This is the feeling of being fully in tune with your goals and values. It’s a deep sense of fulfillment and peace, where leaders feel empowered. Although it’s uncommon to stay in this state for long, experiencing it now and then can lead to powerful moments. Leaders motivate others through their clear and genuine approach, leaving a lasting impact. For example, a leader giving a heartfelt speech about their organization’s mission can inspire everyone in the room.
Energy as a Leadership Tool
The seven levels of energy are not about “good” or “bad.” They represent a spectrum of perspectives we all experience. Great leaders understand where they are, adapt to what’s needed, and consciously choose the energy that serves them best in the moment.
Whether you’re navigating a high-stakes challenge or building team trust, the energy you bring will determine the outcome. By becoming more aware of these energy levels, you can elevate your leadership, empower your team, and create lasting impact.
What’s Your Energy Level Today?
Take a moment to reflect: Which level resonates with how you’ve been showing up recently? And how might a small shift in perspective transform your next challenge into an opportunity?
If you’d like to dive deeper into understanding and shifting your energy, explore how an Energy Leadership Index (ELI) assessment can provide personalized insights.
This website contains interpretation of the copyrighted work of Bruce D Schneider and the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC)
