The Energy Bus Field Guide (Jon Gordon)

1. You're the Driver: Take Control of Your Life and Journey

You have to take responsibility for your life to drive in the right direction toward your goals and dreams.

Take the wheel. Becoming the driver of your bus is the first step towards creating the life you want. This empowering decision allows you to chart your own course and take control of your destiny. It's about recognizing that you have the power to shape your future, rather than being a passive passenger in your own life.

Set your direction. As the driver, you need to have a clear vision of where you want to go. This involves:

• Defining your personal and professional goals
• Creating a roadmap for achieving those goals
• Making conscious choices that align with your vision

Embrace responsibility. Taking control means accepting responsibility for both successes and failures. It's about acknowledging that your actions and decisions shape your journey, rather than blaming external circumstances or others for your situation.

2. Fuel Your Ride with Positive Energy and Purpose

Real positive energy comes from trust, faith, enthusiasm, purpose, joy, and happiness.

Cultivate positivity. Positive energy is the fuel that propels you towards your goals. It's not about ignoring challenges, but rather approaching them with optimism and resilience. Practices to build positive energy include:

• Daily gratitude exercises
• Celebrating small successes
• Focusing on solutions rather than problems
• Surrounding yourself with positive influences

Find your purpose. Purpose acts as a powerful motivator and guide. It gives meaning to your journey and helps you stay focused during difficult times. To discover and nurture your purpose:

• Reflect on what truly matters to you
• Identify how your skills and passions can contribute to something larger than yourself
• Regularly reconnect with your 'why' to stay motivated

Share the energy. Positive energy is contagious. As you cultivate it within yourself, you'll naturally inspire and energize those around you, creating a virtuous cycle of positivity and motivation.

3. Invite and Inspire Others to Join Your Vision

Remember, you're driving the bus, George. But as you drive, you want to keep asking people to get on. The worst they can do is say no. If you don't ask, they won't know to get on.

Communicate your vision. A clear, compelling vision attracts others to your journey. Articulate your goals and aspirations in a way that resonates with potential passengers. This involves:

• Crafting a concise, inspiring vision statement
• Sharing your enthusiasm and passion for your goals
• Explaining how others can contribute to and benefit from the journey

Extend invitations. Don't hesitate to invite others to join your bus. Be proactive in reaching out to potential team members, collaborators, or supporters. Remember:

• The worst outcome is a 'no,' but many will say yes
• Each invitation is an opportunity to refine and share your vision
• People often want to be part of something meaningful

Create an inclusive environment. Make your bus a welcoming place for diverse perspectives and talents. Foster a culture where everyone feels valued and heard, encouraging collaboration and mutual support among your passengers.

4. Don't Waste Energy on Those Who Don't Get on Board

When you invest too much energy worrying about those who do not support or believe in the vision, you'll waste energy that could be fueling your success for the road ahead.

Focus on the willing. Not everyone will share your vision or want to join your journey. Instead of trying to convince the unwilling, concentrate your energy on those who are enthusiastic about your mission. This involves:

• Identifying and nurturing relationships with supportive individuals
• Allocating resources to those who contribute positively to your goals
• Letting go of the need for universal approval or participation

Handle rejection gracefully. When people choose not to get on your bus:

• Respect their decision without taking it personally
• Thank them for considering the opportunity
• Keep the door open for future collaboration if appropriate

Learn and adapt. Use feedback from those who decline to join as an opportunity for growth:

• Reflect on whether your vision or communication could be improved
• Consider if there are valid concerns that need to be addressed
• Use the experience to refine your approach for future invitations

5. Eliminate Energy Vampires from Your Bus

Energy Vampires are a reality that everyone needs to know how to address. You all share in the mission of protecting your positive culture from Energy Vampires.

Identify Energy Vampires. These are individuals who consistently drain positivity and motivation from others through negativity, complaining, or toxic behavior. Learn to recognize the signs:

• Constant criticism without offering solutions
• Spreading gossip or negativity
• Resistance to change or new ideas
• Lack of enthusiasm or engagement

Address the issue. When dealing with Energy Vampires:

1. Start with empathy and understanding
2. Communicate clearly about the impact of their behavior
3. Offer support and opportunities for positive change
4. If improvement doesn't occur, be prepared to remove them from your bus

Protect your culture. Create systems and practices that safeguard your positive environment:

• Establish clear expectations for behavior and attitude
• Encourage team members to hold each other accountable
• Recognize and reward positive contributions to team energy
• Implement regular check-ins to address any emerging negativity

6. Love Your Passengers and Build Strong Relationships

Love is the greatest leadership and team-building principle on the planet.

Demonstrate genuine care. Loving your passengers means showing authentic concern for their well-being and success. This creates a strong foundation of trust and loyalty. Ways to show you care include:

• Taking time to listen and understand individual needs and aspirations
• Recognizing and appreciating contributions
• Supporting personal and professional growth
• Being present and engaged in interactions

Foster connections. Build a sense of community among your passengers by:

• Encouraging collaboration and teamwork
• Creating opportunities for shared experiences and bonding
• Celebrating collective achievements
• Promoting open communication and mutual support

Lead with empathy. Understand that each passenger has their own journey and challenges. Practice empathetic leadership by:

• Considering different perspectives
• Offering support during difficult times
• Adapting your approach to individual needs
• Balancing high expectations with compassion and understanding

7. Have Fun and Enjoy the Ride While Driving with Purpose

The goal in life is to live young, have fun, and arrive at your final destination as late as possible, with a smile on your face.

Embrace joy in the journey. While pursuing your goals is important, don't forget to enjoy the process. Cultivate a sense of fun and appreciation for the present moment:

• Celebrate small victories along the way
• Find humor in challenges and setbacks
• Create traditions or rituals that bring joy to your team
• Take time to appreciate the scenery on your journey

Balance purpose and pleasure. Driving with purpose doesn't mean sacrificing enjoyment. Integrate fun into your purposeful pursuits:

• Find ways to make work tasks more engaging and enjoyable
• Encourage creativity and playfulness in problem-solving
• Plan regular team-building activities or outings
• Recognize and reward not just achievements, but also positive attitudes and energy

Practice mindfulness. Stay present and appreciative of each moment of your journey:

• Take time to reflect on your progress and growth
• Practice gratitude for the opportunities and experiences you encounter
• Encourage your passengers to share their positive experiences and insights
• Regularly reconnect with the joy and excitement of your vision and purpose

Last updated: August 29, 2024