Have you ever worked with a person who simply never turned off? They’re constantly moving, ideating, suggesting, working on projects, email/texting/slacking all at the same time, etc.?
Also, they’re often talkers. And I mean, hard to get a word in, talkers.
Thoughts like –
Energizer Bunny!
Could I get me some of whatever is helping you do that?
I can’t take it anymore, please sit down!
I’m exhausted just being around you.
My goodness, go take a nap…
Run through your head.
In organizations, these people are often highly regarded. In corporate speak, they get shit done. They’re often the fire-fighters who are “assigned” to problem areas, projects, or difficult tasks. They’re go-getters and doers.
And, to contradict what you might be thinking, I don’t have a problem with these folks. At all.
Moving on
Have you worked with someone like this? Can you get a picture in your mind of how they behave and act? Try to.
And if you’re one of these people, that’s great. You have the best seat in the house.
But I want to provide some caution. And it comes from observations I’ve seen in today’s corporations and organizations. I’ve seen folks take advantage of the highly energized. Yes, intentionally. And that’s where we’re going next.
The point
The point is there is no such thing as limitless energy. Everyone is human and everyone has limits. I’ve seen these folks burn out again and again in corporate roles because nobody is thinking or caring for them. Including themselves.
They’ll work themselves nearly to death for organizational goals and objectives. Sure, they may get lots of money and repetitive promotions, but the ride eventually ends.
And, in the end, they’ve burned out. Which is sad.
I have two messages in this post.
First, if you recognize some of the characteristics, I mentioned in yourself, please stop and pause and reflect. Consider what you’re doing and whether you might need to slow down a bit. Investing in yourself, your well-being, and your renewal.
Focusing on self-care if you will.
And second, if you’re a leader, boss, manager or other leadership roles in an organization and you have folks like this reporting to you. Don’t take advantage of them.
Encourage them to slow down a bit. To focus on less work-in-progress and more on getting a few things done. Encourage them to invest energy into taking care of themselves. And don’t reward the frenetic behavior as much as you have been. Sure, I know you love the results. But you’re also a caretaker of people, aren’t you?
Wrapping Up
Limitless or boundless energy is indeed a myth.
We humans are not machines. We age, we break, and we burnout. It’s not a question of if, it’s a question of when.
I’d encourage everyone to monitor their energy usage and focus. And reserve a generous serving of your energy for yourselves!
Stay agile my friends,
Bob.
BTW: here a link to a Self-Care post that compliments this one quite nicely…
http://rgalen.com/agile-training-news/2019/12/5/change-agent-recharge-station