Rule #5: Don’t Waste Your Energy on Those Who Don’t Get on the Bus.
Rule #6: Post a Sign That Says “No Energy Vampires Allowed” on Your Bus.
“The Gallup Poll estimates that there are 22 million negative workers in the United States costing around $300 billion in productivity a year!” – excerpt from The Energy Bus
Wow! What a staggering statistic and one in which leaders must be aware. We cannot allow negativity to breed and grow within our schools. When we allow this to happen, our culture, as well as our people (students, staff, and communities), suffer. The fact is that you will always encounter negative people and negativity. How do we combat this negativity in order to create an environment that prepares us for a better chance of success?
First, we must understand that, “Some people are going to get on your bus and some people won’t. Don’t worry about the people who don’t get on your bus. Don’t waste your energy on them. Don’t try to make them get on. You can’t drive anyone else’s bus. You can only drive your bus.” (Jon Gordon) If you focus on those who don’t buy in, you won’t be able to move forward with those who do.
Second, we must be the example. Jon Gordon states, “There are moments when we feel like we have a right to complain, but complaining causes us to focus on everything but being our best. When you work hard, stay positive, and do what the team needs, things always seem to work out. To be a great teammate, don’t complain. Stay positive. You can’t always control the events that happen to you, but you can control how you respond and, so often, this determines the outcome.” I love the quote by Lou Holtz that says, “80% of the people you complain to don’t care and 20% are glad you have problems.”
“Your positive energy and vision must be greater than anyone’s and everyone’s negativity. Your certainty must be greater than everyone’s doubt.”
- Jon Gordon
Be sure to go to the Discussion Board and answer this month's "Question for Discussion."
Question for Discussion:
“I call the people who drain your energy, Energy Vampires, and they will suck the life out of you and your goals and vision if you let them.”
- Jon Gordon
Have you ever experienced Energy Vampires in your building? If so, how did you limit their negative impact on your culture?