Mood Hoovers: Energy Takers, Energy Givers, and the Power of Boldness
We all influence the energy around us. In fact, we're all in the mood for love in some way or another, whether it’s in our personal lives or in the energy we bring to the workplace. Love isn’t just about affection; it’s about the positive energy we share. Some people bring positivity and uplift others, while others can unintentionally drain the energy in the room. Here’s a look at the key behaviours of energy givers and energy takers:
What Energy Givers Do:
Bring Positivity: They focus on solutions
Listen Actively: They make others feel heard and valued.
Offer Encouragement: They lift others up with genuine support.
Create Calm: They remain composed even in challenging situations.
Show Appreciation: They express gratitude and acknowledge others’ contributions.
Stay Open: They maintain a positive attitude, even when things aren’t perfect.
What Energy Takers Do:
Focus on Negativity: They dwell on problems rather than solutions.
Drain Conversations: They tend to talk more about their struggles than listen to others.
Bring Drama: They amplify issues, creating unnecessary tension or conflict. Water cooler venters? That’s you.
Interrupt or Overwhelm: They dominate conversations or make others feel small.
Resist Change: They often hold onto old ways and resist new ideas.
Project Stress: They spread anxiety or frustration to others without realising it.
Which One Are You?
Take a moment to reflect on your recent interactions. Do you lift others up with your words and actions? Do you contribute to solutions and calm, or do you often focus on problems and frustrations? Ask yourself: When was the last time you felt drained after an interaction? Could it have been your own energy that contributed to that feeling?
What You Can Do About It
If you identify more with energy givers:
Keep it up! But also be mindful of your own energy. It’s important to recharge when needed. Energy givers can often hold a lot of the burden of the energy takers - is that you? Reflect on how you’re setting boundaries and protecting your energy from being drained. Lead with positivity - continue to bring the best of yourself to situations. Your energy can uplift others even in tough moments.
If you identify more with energy takers:
Start with self-awareness. Recognising when you’re draining others’ energy is the first step. Pause before speaking and ask yourself: “Am I bringing solutions or focusing on the problem?” Shift your focus to what’s going well and express gratitude. Even small changes in your mindset can shift the energy you bring. Practice active listening - make others feel heard and resist the urge to dominate conversations. Ask more questions and be genuinely curious about others’ experiences. Finally, set boundaries. If you find yourself becoming overwhelmed, take a step back to prevent your stress from affecting others. It’s okay to excuse yourself and reset when needed. We all need that from time to time.
Conclusion: Your Energy Matters
The energy you bring can either lift people up or drain them. By becoming more self-aware and intentional about how we show up, we can create a more positive environment for ourselves and others.
This week, pay attention to your energy in every interaction. Are you in the mood for love - bringing positivity and support to those around you? Are you lifting others up, or unintentionally draining them? After reflecting on your own behaviour, take it a step further - ask a trusted colleague or friend for feedback. What energy do they feel you bring into a room? Are you an energy giver or energy taker? Sometimes, others see things we miss. What’s one small shift you can make to show up with more positive energy?
