08 Jun Energy as a currency of high performance

As WVA we believe that Energy is the fundamental currency of high performance – as this is the goal of every organisation. 

Energy depletion can manifest in various ways, commonly what we see is burn-out and exhaustion. These are reported to be at an all-time high in today’s fast-paced VUCA work environment.

Burnout is a psychological process, brought about by unrelieved work stress, that results in emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and feelings of decreased accomplishment. Did you know that if you are being more ‘grumpy’ than usual it could be a sign of burn-out?

Here are some common indicators of burnout in the workplace:

• Emotional exhaustion: Feeling drained and depleted, as if you have nothing left to give.
• Decreased job satisfaction: Feeling less engaged and satisfied with your work than before.
• Reduced performance: Difficulty focusing, completing tasks, or meeting deadlines.
• Cynicism and detachment: Feeling detached and cynical about your work, co-workers, and the organisation.
• Physical symptoms: Headaches, fatigue, and other physical symptoms.
• Absenteeism: Taking more sick days or missing work for other reasons.
• Irritability: Feeling irritable and easily frustrated with co-workers and clients/customers.
• Loss of motivation: Feeling apathetic and unmotivated about your job.
• Decreased creativity: Finding it difficult to come up with new ideas or solutions.
• Changes in behaviour: Changes in eating habits, sleeping patterns, and other behaviours.

When it comes to such organisational issues (reflecting on conversations with our clients) the responsibility tends to be put on the leaders of the organisation who also leads the culture, however if you consider the above indicators – leaders are also not immune, as you may have noticed some of these indicators exhibited by people senior to you.Gallup’s ‘The new Workplace’ research indicates that managers report higher stress and burnout than those they manage. It is evident that organisations need to find ways to combat burnout as it can adversely affect employee productivity and efficiency. 

Energy is one of the conversations covered in our Nine Conversations in Leadership™ program. This conversation helps leaders understand the principles of wellness, balance, and energy; not only for their personal benefit but those around them and the organisation as a whole. 

The world will belong to passionate, driven leaders – people who not only have enormous amounts of energy, but who can energise those whom they lead. – Welch