THIS Leader Podcast
Episode 05:Â Energize Your Team
March 4, 2025
In this episode, I tackle the all-too-common challenge of team energy depletion in today's post-pandemic workplace. Discover two powerful, research-backed strategies to transform your team from "going through the motions" to feeling genuinely energized and connected with their work and each other.
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Are you leading a team that's doing all the right things but feeling... flat?
In this episode, I dive into what I call "pandemnesia" – that post-pandemic reality where we've gained flexibility but lost genuine connection and collaborative energy.
I share two practical, immediately implementable strategies that don't require massive time investments but deliver significant energy returns:
- Celebrating progress (backed by Teresa Amabile's research)
- Creating meaningful connection points in virtual settings
These aren't just feel-good practices – they're strategic approaches that will help you reclaim time, enjoy your leadership role more, and create the energized, collaborative team culture you've been striving for.
Watch your team begin taking initiative to solve problems collaboratively and supporting each other with renewed purpose and enthusiasm.
"Re-energizing your team doesn't have to be about grand gestures or complete overhauls. It's about consistent, intentional actions that show your people they matter. It's about creating spaces where real connection can happen, and where progress - even small progress - is celebrated."
Highlights from this episode:
In this episode, we explore how to re-energize teams that feel disconnected and flat in our post-pandemic workplace reality.
Understanding the Post-Pandemic Workplace Challenge
I introduce the concept of "pandemnesia" and examine how our adaptations to remote work have created:
- More meetings but less quality collaboration
- More communication channels but less genuine connection
- More work volume but less focus on impact
The Need for an Energy Reset:Â Rather than throwing out the positive changes we've made, we need a strategic reset that reclaims shared values while maintaining flexibility. This means creating intentional moments that rebuild energy and focus.
Strategy #1: Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Based on Teresa Amabile's groundbreaking "Progress Principle" research, I share:
- Why even small wins dramatically boost inner work life and motivation
- How to implement weekly "Progress Check-ins" with minimal time investment
- A framework for "bookend huddles" that plan for and celebrate achievements
Strategy #2: Connect Before Content
Learn practical approaches to rebuild human connection in virtual settings:
- Starting meetings with thoughtful "Connection Questions" that transcend small talk
- How to create "Skills Spotlight" moments that position team members as experts
- Techniques for handling camera reluctance while still building psychological safety
Overcoming Implementation Challenges
I address the common concern that "this sounds great, but I don't have time," explaining how these strategies:
- Actually return time to leaders as teams become more self-sufficient
- Increase enjoyment of leadership roles
- Create workplaces where creativity and enthusiasm naturally flow
Resources Mentioned:Â Amabile, T. M., & Kramer, S. J. (2011). The progress principle: Using small wins to ignite joy, engagement, and creativity at work. Harvard Business Review Press.
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Links mentioned in this episode:
Check out my Resource Page for additional resources on team engagement and connection.
Send me your leadership questions: Contact Me
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About your Host
Claire Laughlin, MA, Organizational Development Consultant
Hi! I'm Claire Laughlin, and I love helping leaders like you create workplaces where people truly thrive.
For over two decades, I've been rolling up my sleeves alongside teams and organizations, using hands-on methods that actually work (because let's face it - theory only gets you so far!).Â
I specialize in teaching leaders how to engage their teams, helping managers become more effective facilitators, and showing people how to work better together.
I'm also a master facilitator for the Six Types of Working Genius® - a fantastic tool that helps you understand and leverage your natural talents.
When I'm not helping leaders like you build happy, high-energy workplaces, I'm enjoying a hike in the forest with my dog Fiona, spending time with my family or curled up with a great book.
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