It’s our last week focusing on the theme of Energy and Energy Management.

I thought we might want to talk about Energy Vampires, and more specifically, how to ensure that you are NOT, nor do you BECOME one. 

According to Google’s AI Overview, an Energy Vampire is defined as a person who drains your emotional and mental energy, leaving you feeling depleted, exhausted, or even sick after interacting with them. They often lack empathy and emotional maturity, and may not even realize the impact they have on others. Essentially, they “suck” your vitality, and you feel worse rather than better after spending time with them. 

Imagine if someone called you an Energy Vampire after reading that synopsis? Pretty bleak thought.

It’s the “may not even realize the impact they have on others” part that causes me the most pause, and the part that we’ll turn our attention to today.

As a leader, what are the energy levels of your people after they spend time with you? 
Do you know?
How can you tell?
Would you want to change it if you knew?

Ideally, as a leader, you want people to feel energized by your presence and contributions. You want to be a multiplier of energy, not a depletor.

Try this self-reflection activity to help gauge your Energy Vampire score.
Ask yourself the following questions:

1. In general, how are my daily conversations unfolding?

2. Do I know what I’m trying to accomplish when I’m in conversation with others? Do I accomplish whatever that is?

3. Who does most of the talking, in any given conversation?

4. Do I leave energized after the conversation? Do I know if others do?

5. What are the postures of people after they leave conversations with me?

Now, think about expanding your perception.
How do you feel about conducting an Energy Audit?
Do you have a trusted advisor whom you could ask a few of these questions?

In order to increase our impact, we have to add energy to our interactions and relationships. To subrtract energy, and without even realizing the impact we may be having on others, may result in a new leadership title no one wants behind their name: Chief Energy Vampire.

Don’t be left to lurk in the dark; for illumination, audit your interactions.