Time Isn’t the Problem Anymore. Energy Is.
“I just need more hours in the day.”
If you’ve ever said that as a leader, you’re not alone. I used to believe that better time management was the secret to getting more done. But after years of working with managers and executives across industries, I’ve learned this: it’s not about managing time. It’s about managing energy.
Time is finite. Energy is renewable.
In today’s fast-paced, always-on workplace, burnout is no longer a side effect. It’s an epidemic. According to a 2024 study by Deloitte, 64% of employees feel frequently overwhelmed at work, and nearly half of managers report emotional exhaustion.
More planners, more task lists, and more time-blocking aren’t solving the problem.
We need a new approach. One that sees leadership not as a race to do more, but as a craft that protects and channels the energy of both the leader and their team.
The Problem with Time-Based Leadership
Old-school leadership teaches us to optimize hours:
- Schedule every minute.
- Hustle harder.
- Maximize productivity.
But here’s the truth:
- A focused 90-minute work sprint beats an 8-hour day of low energy.
- A well-rested leader makes better decisions than one who’s run ragged.
Time-based management ignores the invisible forces that shape performance: attention, emotion, and resilience.
The Solution: Energy Management Leadership (EML)
At PMI POC, we coach leaders to manage four key types of energy:
- Physical Energy – the foundation (sleep, nutrition, movement)
- Emotional Energy – the fuel (mood, optimism, motivation)
- Mental Energy – the focus (clarity, prioritization, deep work)
- Spiritual Energy – the purpose (meaning, alignment, values)
Let’s unpack how to lead from each dimension.
1. Physical Energy: Lead by Example
A tired leader leads a tired team.
Tip: Prioritize rest and rhythm. Encourage breaks. Model sustainable pacing.
Case Study: A pharmaceutical company I worked with introduced a mandatory 10-minute stretch break every 2 hours. After a month, productivity rose by 17% and sick leaves dropped.
2. Emotional Energy: Regulate Before You Relate
Emotion spreads faster than facts. If a leader walks into a room anxious or frustrated, the team picks it up.
Practice: Start meetings with a simple emotional check-in. Ask, “How’s everyone feeling today?”
Example: One manager at a BPO center began weekly check-ins with the question: “What energized you this week?” The result? 25% boost in employee morale.
Related Bible Verse: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22 ESV)
3. Mental Energy: Protect Focus Time
Most teams are drowning in noise: pings, emails, meetings.
Tip: Designate deep work hours. Remove distractions. Set clear priorities.
Real-life Story: At a design firm I coached, the team agreed on “Focus Mornings” (no meetings until noon). Output quality increased significantly within the quarter.
Related Bible Verse: “Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.” (Proverbs 4:25 ESV)
4. Spiritual Energy: Lead with Meaning
People burn out faster when their work feels meaningless. Spiritual energy isn’t about religion—it’s about purpose.
Practice: Connect daily tasks to the bigger picture. Celebrate meaningful wins.
Example: A logistics company we worked with started “Purpose Mondays” where employees share stories about how their work helped someone that week.
Relevant Bible Verse: “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” (Proverbs 16:3 ESV)
The EML Self-Check: How Are You Managing Energy?
Rate yourself from 1 (rarely) to 5 (always):
- I sleep well and take breaks during the day. [ ]
- I stay calm under pressure and support my team emotionally. [ ]
- I block time for focused work without interruptions. [ ]
- I talk about purpose and values with my team. [ ]
If your total is less than 15, energy leaks may be holding you back.
How to Implement Energy Management in Your Team
Step 1: Run an Energy Audit
Ask each team member: What drains your energy? What renews it?
Step 2: Set Energy Rituals
- Daily: 15-minute quiet start
- Weekly: Team celebration check-in
- Monthly: Personal reflection or unplug day
Step 3: Train Managers on EML
Train leaders to be energy multipliers, not energy vampires.
Benefits of Energy Management Leadership
- Reduced burnout rates by 40% (according to Harvard Business Review, 2023)
- 3x more likely to retain top talent
- 21% increase in team engagement and innovation
Great Leaders Don’t Just Manage Time. They Multiply Energy.
The leaders of the future aren’t just efficient. They’re energizing.
When you manage energy across all four dimensions—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—you don’t just prevent burnout. You activate brilliance.
As a leader, your energy sets the tone. Your habits become contagious. Your renewal becomes your team’s revival.
So the next time you feel overwhelmed, don’t ask, “Where did the time go?” Ask, “Where did the energy go—and how do I bring it back?”
Let’s Build Energized Leaders Together
At PMI POC, we design customized leadership development programs that include energy management as a core pillar. Let’s equip your managers to lead with vitality, resilience, and purpose.
Schedule a meeting with us today. Carl, carl@axelgabemc.com 0966.507-9136
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