The Power of Energy: A Leadership Transformation
- Joe Glaser

- Mar 17, 2025
- 3 min read

For years, I believed leadership was about driving results—setting expectations, holding people accountable, and ensuring performance. After 26 years in retail leadership, I thought I had it all figured out. My team met goals, but something was missing. The energy, the passion, the spark—it just wasn’t there.
Then, everything changed.
I attended a leadership seminar called The Heart of the Leader, and it was a wake-up call. One quote, in particular, struck me to my core:
"People will forget what you said to them, what you did to them, but people will always remember how you made them feel." – Maya Angelou
At that moment, I realized my leadership had been focused on tasks, not people. My energy—or lack of it—was directly shaping my team’s engagement, motivation, and performance. I had been managing, but I wasn’t truly leading.
The Shift: Becoming a Leader of Positive Energy
I made a decision that day. I would lead with energy, positivity, and belief. I would be a force of encouragement—not just for my team, but for my leaders, my family, and even myself.
It started with a simple change: I showed up differently.
Every morning, I walked into work with enthusiasm, setting the tone for the day.
I made celebrating wins—big and small—a priority.
I encouraged my team to take risks, knowing that failure was just a stepping stone to success.
Instead of controlling decisions, I empowered my people to lead and innovate.
Most importantly, I made sure everyone on my team felt valued, heard, and inspired.
And then, something incredible happened.
The Ripple Effect of Energy
My team transformed. Employees who once just “clocked in” became engaged contributors. Huddles became moments of inspiration, not just checklists. Productivity soared—not because of pressure, but because people felt driven by purpose.
But the biggest transformation wasn’t just at work—it was at home.
My wife, Sara, noticed it first. The stress, the exhaustion, the frustration that used to follow me home? Gone. I became as much of a cheerleader for my family as I was for my team. I listened more. I appreciated more. I poured positive energy into my marriage and my children, and in return, our home became more connected, more joyful.
I realized then: energy is contagious.
What is Energy?
At its core, energy is the force that drives action, passion, and connection. In leadership, your energy is your most powerful tool.
Positive energy inspires, motivates, and empowers. It builds strong teams, thriving relationships, and cultures of excellence.
Low energy drains, disengages, and diminishes potential. It leads to burnout, negativity, and stagnation.
The Power of Leading with Energy
When you shift your energy, you shift your impact. Here’s what I’ve learned:
✅ Energy sets the tone – How you show up determines how your team, your family, and those around you respond.
✅ Belief fuels success – When you believe in people, they rise to the occasion.
✅ Positivity is power – A culture of encouragement breeds confidence, creativity, and excellence.
✅ Leadership starts with YOU – If you want a high-energy team, be a high-energy leader.
A Final Thought
Maya Angelou’s words continue to guide me: People will always remember how you made them feel.
The choice is yours—will you be a leader who uplifts, inspires, and ignites potential? Or will you let low energy hold you and your team back?
I made my choice. And it changed my leadership—and my life—forever.
Now, I challenge you: How will you lead with energy today?
Visit Heart Of A Leader @ https://www.positiveenergyguy.com/


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