A recent restructuring left me questioning my place. The uncertainty made me wonder if I should step back and simplify things—shed some of the hats I wear to just focus on the roles that seemed to matter. That’s when a colleague shared something a CEO once told them: “When I consider bringing a new associate to a team, I ask myself, does this person bring clarity or energy?”
That question stayed with me.
Why Your Team Energy Matters More Than You Think
Here’s the thing: teams are built on complementary strengths. It’s not about doing everything—it’s about bringing your unique skills to the table. If you’ve ever questioned whether you add value, it’s probably because you’re thinking too narrowly (and I wrote another blog for those who are thinking they maybe suck at their jobs. Spoiler alert, it's probably not you). We contribute to bigger goals, sure, but we also shape the culture with how we interact, communicate, and show up.
And let’s not forget: people don’t leave bad jobs, they leave bad managers. This isn’t just about the tasks we do—it’s about the energy we bring into the room and the clarity we provide in our leadership.
Leading with Energy: It’s Infectious
I’ve learned some of the best lessons from leaders I’d rather not imitate. Their approach was often uninviting, uninspiring, and lacking empathy. On the other hand, I’ve always been intentional about bringing positive energy into my leadership.
I genuinely care about people—about their growth, their challenges, and their long-term success. This means listening, being present, following through, and, yes, sometimes lifting the mood when things get tough. It’s not always easy, but it’s crucial. People can feel the difference when you care.
Energy is contagious. If you show up with the mindset that everyone’s contribution matters, you make space for others to do the same. And that’s when real collaboration happens.
Clarity in Decision-Making: Cut Through the Noise
In fields like engineering, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information flying around. Whether it’s consumer insights, production data, or quality reports, it can feel like a never-ending stream. But here’s the key: clarity doesn’t come from more information—it comes from making sense of the chaos.
It’s not about bringing personal bias into every decision—it’s about weaving together facts, experience, and diverse perspectives. And then, creating a space where everyone feels heard and the right decisions can emerge.
This means staying analytical but also empathetic. Sometimes, the most difficult decisions aren’t the ones that involve numbers—it’s the ones that involve people. The ability to bring clarity during these times makes all the difference.
Leadership Beyond Technical Expertise
Sure, technical expertise is important, but in leadership, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Judgment, self-regulation, empathy, and emotional intelligence are what make truly exceptional leaders. These aren’t qualities that can be replaced by AI or automation—they’re human traits that drive authentic connections.
The moment you forget this and focus only on numbers, deadlines, or technicalities, you risk losing sight of the very people who make everything possible.
The Real Value You Bring to Your Team
So, what value do you really bring to your team and organization? It's easy to get caught up in titles or tasks, but the true impact comes from your energy and clarity. Here are a few ways to reflect on that:
When you’re in the room, do people feel energized and motivated?
Can you make complex situations feel more manageable with your clear thinking and communication?
Are you able to pull together diverse perspectives to make decisions that benefit everyone—not just yourself?
How often do you create space for others to shine, and how does that shape the culture you’re building?
Leadership isn’t about managing tasks—it’s about leading people. It’s about being the one who provides energy when things are low and clarity when things are foggy. When you lead with intention and authenticity, you don’t just manage projects—you create the kind of environment where everyone thrives.
So, next time you’re wondering what you bring to the table, ask yourself: Does my energy spark motivation? Does my clarity guide decisions?
Because those are the qualities that make you indispensable.
If you’re ready to bring more energy and clarity to your leadership, 1:1 coaching can help you get more strategic and focused.
Learn more and get in touch to see how we can work together.
Need a little confidence boost in the meantime? Then signup for my Imposter Syndrome First Aid Essentials to get you back on track in less than one hour.
Inspiring. This really resonated with me. Thank you!