Strategies to raise energy domains

We outline strategies for boosting the five energy domains in the table below. 

Domains of energy Suggested strategies to raise energy domain
Social
  • Use storytelling to share narratives of teamwork and collaboration. This raises feelings of hope, unity and purpose.
  • Be aware that people’s emotions can impact social energy; how people are feeling influences their performance. Negative emotions can spread quickly and be toxic to a group. 
Spiritual
  • Connect the goals of the social movement to its purpose and values. This can help the change meaning and significance.
  • Express enthusiasm and commitment to the goals of the change, recognizing that the presence of spiritual energy makes anything possible.
Psychological
  • Frame or position the change according to the shared purpose and values.
  • Express feelings of hopefulness regarding the change; these feelings can counteract fears.   
  • Be aware that to improve the mindset about the change requires a) shared agreement on the purpose of the change; b) available structures to support the change, for example, change teams; c) people with the developed knowledge and skills to lead change; and d) role-modelling of the new behaviours by peer leaders.
Physical
  • Be aware that strength, stamina, suppleness and speed all positively impact physical energy.
Intellectual
  • Set clear goals and objectives and strive to carve out time for focused work without distractions.
  • Routinely check in with people about their feelings regarding the change and their levels of motivation and determination; these can influence intellectual energy. 

SOURCE: Land et al., 2013.

It can also be helpful to understand how the five energy domains when in balance, can support change teams and change agents to be effective in leading change initiatives, as depicted in the graphic below (NHS Horizons, NHS England, 2011).

Five energies of high performing teams
linkages

Accelerate your success: The Knowledge-to-Action Framework’s "Adapt knowledge to local context" action cycle phase includes a discussion of the multiple contextual factors and their interacting effects on the uptake and sustainability of knowledge. Change teams must be aware of these factors and how they can operate together to promote or hinder change efforts; an understanding of contextual factors is critical for success. Visit Adapt knowledge to local context | RNAO.ca for more details.