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Energy Leadership: Transforming Your Workplace and Your Life from the Core
In Energy Leadership, renowned coach Bruce D. Schneider teaches how to understand the most important personal resource of all -- energy, and shows how to harness it to achieve success in the workplace, the home, and in the world at large. This engaging and fast-paced story clearly explains how managers and leaders from all walks of life can use the principles of Energy Leadership to inspire themselves and others to achieve extraordinary results in whatever they do. The author provides insight into a cutting edge coaching process he has developed, which has positively impacted the lives of tens of thousands of people in both the corporate and private sectors. You will learn how to: • • Recognize the seven distinct levels that are the key to understanding why everyone thinks and acts the way they do, in life and specifically within the workplace. • • Distinguish truly effective leaders from those who deplete the energy of the people around them, and specific techniques to shift energy levels to inspire peak performance. • • Become powerful leaders who motivate themselves and others to reach their true potential. • • Identify the Big Four Energy Blocks and discover proven techniques and strategies for overcoming these and other obstacles to success. • • Develop the ability to shift internal energy to meet any leadership challenge, and use this newfound power to inspire respect, confidence, and loyalty in others. If you always try to inspire others but sometimes feel like something’s missing, something is. Energy Leadership puts you in touch with the missing link between your ambitions and your ability to achieve them.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published November 9, 2007
248 people are currently reading
874 people want to read
About the author
Bruce D. Schneider
5 books17 followersBruce D Schneider, Ph. D., is founder and CEO of iPEC. Bruce is often referred to as a modern day philosopher whose seemingly endless insights are thought-provoking and transformational. A powerful, entertaining, and charismatic speaker, his seminars, keynotes, workshops, and coaching sessions have helped countless others transform their lives. Bruce is a Master Certified Coach, Licensed Psychotherapist, and a pioneer and innovator in the fields of professional coaching and human potential.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
March 19, 2013
Reading this book has gotten me to look at my coaching practice and the level of energy and attitude I bring to it in an entirely different way. Following through on the suggestions in the book has helped me get more energized and excited about my business and it has also rubbed off on my clients. This book works. The ideas and concepts work. The author does an excellent job of explaining his system through the story he tells. It's a book I'd recommend to anyone who wants to look at their business from a different angle. This book will give you that angle.
July 20, 2017
I like the concept, I HATE the book. This would have been a much better book if he had presented the concepts without trying to create the fake bland story with horrible dialogue.
September 16, 2020
I was given this book at an entrepreneur meetup. The person who gave it to me said it transformed her life, so I was intrigued. It's a pretty easy read, and I got through it in 3 days.
The book is about controlling your energy and the energy of others to produce great results. The Energetic Self-Perception Chart, or I Chart, is used to find your energetic level.
Levels 1, 2: self
Levels 3-5: self-mastery
Levels 6, 7: self-mastery
The book had many examples of different types of behavior that fit into each level, but I wasn't into it enough to pick up on the scheme.
The book's best and worst parts are on page 77. The best: the explanation of catabolic versus anabolic leadership. A catabolic leader breaks down energy within a team or organization by being negative, and causes worry, fear, doubt, anger, and guilt. An anabolic leader builds up energy by being positive, helping others relax and engage.
The worst part of the book, and the part that makes me reject the whole thing, was this:
Don't waste your time with this book.
The book is about controlling your energy and the energy of others to produce great results. The Energetic Self-Perception Chart, or I Chart, is used to find your energetic level.
Levels 1, 2: self
Levels 3-5: self-mastery
Levels 6, 7: self-mastery
The book had many examples of different types of behavior that fit into each level, but I wasn't into it enough to pick up on the scheme.
The book's best and worst parts are on page 77. The best: the explanation of catabolic versus anabolic leadership. A catabolic leader breaks down energy within a team or organization by being negative, and causes worry, fear, doubt, anger, and guilt. An anabolic leader builds up energy by being positive, helping others relax and engage.
The worst part of the book, and the part that makes me reject the whole thing, was this:
"Are you suggesting that my organization is alive?"There's a footnote to Robert Stone, Secret Life of Your Cells. This acceptance of pseudoscience as fact removed any kind of credibility the author may have had.
"Yes! That's exactly what I am suggesting. And there's plenty of science to back it up." As just one example, I cited the experiments performed by Cleve Backster, who removed cells from human subjects' bodies and placed them at various distances from their original hosts. He hooked up both the subject and the separated cells to a polygraph machine, which measured changes in chemical reaction, and then showed each subject various visual stimuli.
When the people reacted to the stimuli, their distant cells reacted at the same time in exactly the same way. This was just one demonstration of a fairly common phenomenon called nonlocality, which means that parts of a system (in this case the cells of a human body) remain connected to that system whether they remain physically close or are separated (non-local).
Don't waste your time with this book.
September 30, 2022
A must read for all leaders! I was as skeptic as any other person would be about the concept of energy in a company, let alone as a leadership style. I am however glad that I gave it a chance. It's not only very well written book but the story (even though fictional) is highly relevant and relatable.
We all believe in positive/negative vibes but turns out it's a real, scientifically proven thing! The vibe is nothing but the level of energy that the other person is emitting. We, as leaders can improve ourselves and our team's "vibe" by raising everyone's energy level, which in turn would organically improve our relationships and productivity. Give it a try.. I'm going to :)
We all believe in positive/negative vibes but turns out it's a real, scientifically proven thing! The vibe is nothing but the level of energy that the other person is emitting. We, as leaders can improve ourselves and our team's "vibe" by raising everyone's energy level, which in turn would organically improve our relationships and productivity. Give it a try.. I'm going to :)
December 5, 2016
I tried to read this in bits and pieces but couldn't pay attention. But one afternoon, I was trapped under a cat while waiting for the cable guy. I picked this up and ended up reading the whole thing before the cable guy showed up. It felt like a really light read that way--but infinitely powerful. Because of this book, I signed up for coach training through iPEC (the author's organization). Another life-changer.
April 10, 2008
The concept of energy leadership is an intriguing combination of traditional coaching theory with eastern religious principles and quantum physics. Sound scary? Actually it's not only simple but easy to use in upgrading all areas of your life! You can contact me if you are interested in taking the online assessment for Energy Leadership profile and having it explained . . .
July 10, 2018
Energy Leadership
This book has training videos at ipeccoaching.com
My highlights while reading the book
Chapter 1 life offers neither problems nor challenges only opportunities.
What energy level are you- while lookin at the energy chart it has 1-7 levels.
Level 3 responsibility - you take responsibility for what you feel and think knowing no one can make you feel anything. It becomes your choice, and your responsibility to react or not react to anything that comes into your life. People still do a lot of judging at this level they also start to forgive. At level three you are willing to work with people you like and tolerate those you don’t. The result is cooperation.
Level 4. Judgment anger guilt resentment and the other self directed thoughts and feelings begin to fade and are replaced by a genuine desire to help others. The course thought when operating at this level is concern which leads to compassion and service. At this level you no longer take words or actions personally. You don't worry about what others have done to you.
Level 5. Reconciliation at this level you no longer view things good or bad or right or wrong. Things just are. You're less afraid and you feel an inner peace which leads to acceptance. Because you let go of your need for control for the first time you actually gain it. Real control comes from with in not from something you convince someone else to do for you. At this level you're driven nots by fear but by opportunity.
Level 6 and 7 talked about completely leaving judging behind. At this level you are flooded with absolute passion for all of life experiences and I will to tap your talent for being deeply creative. At this level you have the potential to manifest almost anything into your life in an instant.
The book talks back keeping a judgment journal with two columns A good, and the bad column.
The book also talked about the validation technique. You can use this technique to help someone release anxiety and truly feel heard it's main purpose is to normalize emotional responses. To do this we must become aware that any emotional response is always normal. Responses are linked to temperament personality frame of reference and perspective on life and based on all of those whatever someone thinks and feels is normal for that person.
Request action-I never tell anyone what to do. Instead I ask people to take action. Asking people enables them to choose which will solidify their buy in. However a good choice really needs to exist for this approach to work.
Questions to ask yourself.
Put your self forward in time six months from now what must have happened for you to believe a miracle had occurred?
What would be the most unexpected benefit I could receive from working with...?
How do you see yourself as a leader today and how would you like to see yourself as a leader tomorrow?
If an alien approached you and asked you to describe humanity and the condition of the world what would you say?
In the book Richard didn't ask the questions when the coach came he didn't complete his assignment. The coach said sometimes we learn more from what we don't do them from what we do. Then he asked Richard to tell me about why you didn't do this?
You're insight and in action reveal a great deal about Your energy. The first three questions addressed a six-month miracle vision and the next question talked about how Richard would describe the world to an alien. Those what level one energy have a difficult time facing current realities and envisioning a future.
People feel power when they understand that they're true success isn't rooted in me helping them. It's grounded in me helping them help themselves. That power gives people a sense of control and help them feel more engaged in what they do.
This is a great quote from chapter 4 if you want to build a ship don't gather your people and ask them to provide would prepare tools and assigned task. Call them together and raise in their minds the longing for the endless sea. Antoine de saint-exupery
Principle 2
The answers to all questions lie within every one of us we are greater and wiser than we appear to be. He estimates a percent of all human beings spend most of their time living in the first circle of awareness buffering between victim and anger conflict. Those fear based energies make them accustomed to focusing on problems instead of solutions.
When Richard was asked about his miracle what it would look like and feel like he gave the coach a blank stare. That's why the author reference level I and two energy.
Core energy technique -empathize it's feeling emotion with someone without judging them.
Core energy technique- get an energetic buy in. How engaged are you is energy leadership training video seven.
Five everyone's energy vibrates or resonates at different rates a persons energetic resonating rate is directly related to the individual level of consciousness. The more conscious of person is the closer to her potential the person lives and the more positive energy she has available to you. The only way to make real sustainable change in your life and your Organization is to change the level of energy. You start with your self.
ASSess energy
There are three ways to watch energy.
Visual observed the facial and body expressions.
Auditory-listen carefully to the person's tone of voice volume Word emphasis and silence. Also listen for intention behind words spoken.
Intuitive-use any of your senses to detect clues about energy that aren't readily obvious. so for me this of course will be discernment
Level one level to businesses Focus at this level is on basic needs only urges safety and survival everything about these level one and two businesses is indicative of their focus the way people look at the quality of interpersonal relationships attractive news of physical surroundings and in other dramatic and indirect ways the level of profit.
Level one advantage you don't have to lift a finger he's been little effort or energy. Disadvantage there's a lack of engagement in roles and task Plus the lack of ability to lead yourself and others.
Level II advantage yo aggressive behavior leads to getting a lot done by yourself. You can also motivate others.
Disadvantaged others motivation is from anger or fear the results will with those results sustained themselves. You can inspire others and your forcefulness will cause them to be dissatisfied unproductive quit or worse give up and not quit.
Level III advantage you don't allow others to stand in the way of what you want you have the ability to avoid block and or release the negativity of others you're able to engage.
Disadvantage you could be manipulative and self concerning hopes and promises are not given from the heart but from the head. You're not concerned if things don't work out because you did your best.
Level 4 advantage you take the little person only you truly care for any help everyone to do their job the best they can. Disadvantage you can get caught in the drama sympathy others motivation can be more for being light then for being productive.
Level V advantage you've fun opportunities in all challenges and take little to nothing personally. Disadvantage you can experience paralysis by analysis and be disengaged from emotions.
Level VI advantage you're empathetic you have the ability to feel and connect without judgment. You're also able to access intuition. Disadvantage you might not be grounded and could be out of touch with others interviewed as aloof. You may be a high risk taker.
Level VII advantage at this level that you can create anything you choose whenever you choose to as quickly as you believe possible. You are connected to an intelligence of the highest order.
Disadvantage if any there is less emotional drama as nothing is seen as real-which is why there are six other levels.
Level 2 question. How do you think your attitude has effected the company? How effective have these attitudes and actions really being in fostering the success of this business.
Principle three.
Every moment describes who you are and give you the opportunity decide if that's who you want to be.
Four energy blocks: one the limiting beliefs that you hold 2. the false assumptions on the past that you bring to today 3. The false interpretations that you make 4. The fear that you are not enough the inner critic.
This book has training videos at ipeccoaching.com
My highlights while reading the book
Chapter 1 life offers neither problems nor challenges only opportunities.
What energy level are you- while lookin at the energy chart it has 1-7 levels.
Level 3 responsibility - you take responsibility for what you feel and think knowing no one can make you feel anything. It becomes your choice, and your responsibility to react or not react to anything that comes into your life. People still do a lot of judging at this level they also start to forgive. At level three you are willing to work with people you like and tolerate those you don’t. The result is cooperation.
Level 4. Judgment anger guilt resentment and the other self directed thoughts and feelings begin to fade and are replaced by a genuine desire to help others. The course thought when operating at this level is concern which leads to compassion and service. At this level you no longer take words or actions personally. You don't worry about what others have done to you.
Level 5. Reconciliation at this level you no longer view things good or bad or right or wrong. Things just are. You're less afraid and you feel an inner peace which leads to acceptance. Because you let go of your need for control for the first time you actually gain it. Real control comes from with in not from something you convince someone else to do for you. At this level you're driven nots by fear but by opportunity.
Level 6 and 7 talked about completely leaving judging behind. At this level you are flooded with absolute passion for all of life experiences and I will to tap your talent for being deeply creative. At this level you have the potential to manifest almost anything into your life in an instant.
The book talks back keeping a judgment journal with two columns A good, and the bad column.
The book also talked about the validation technique. You can use this technique to help someone release anxiety and truly feel heard it's main purpose is to normalize emotional responses. To do this we must become aware that any emotional response is always normal. Responses are linked to temperament personality frame of reference and perspective on life and based on all of those whatever someone thinks and feels is normal for that person.
Request action-I never tell anyone what to do. Instead I ask people to take action. Asking people enables them to choose which will solidify their buy in. However a good choice really needs to exist for this approach to work.
Questions to ask yourself.
Put your self forward in time six months from now what must have happened for you to believe a miracle had occurred?
What would be the most unexpected benefit I could receive from working with...?
How do you see yourself as a leader today and how would you like to see yourself as a leader tomorrow?
If an alien approached you and asked you to describe humanity and the condition of the world what would you say?
In the book Richard didn't ask the questions when the coach came he didn't complete his assignment. The coach said sometimes we learn more from what we don't do them from what we do. Then he asked Richard to tell me about why you didn't do this?
You're insight and in action reveal a great deal about Your energy. The first three questions addressed a six-month miracle vision and the next question talked about how Richard would describe the world to an alien. Those what level one energy have a difficult time facing current realities and envisioning a future.
People feel power when they understand that they're true success isn't rooted in me helping them. It's grounded in me helping them help themselves. That power gives people a sense of control and help them feel more engaged in what they do.
This is a great quote from chapter 4 if you want to build a ship don't gather your people and ask them to provide would prepare tools and assigned task. Call them together and raise in their minds the longing for the endless sea. Antoine de saint-exupery
Principle 2
The answers to all questions lie within every one of us we are greater and wiser than we appear to be. He estimates a percent of all human beings spend most of their time living in the first circle of awareness buffering between victim and anger conflict. Those fear based energies make them accustomed to focusing on problems instead of solutions.
When Richard was asked about his miracle what it would look like and feel like he gave the coach a blank stare. That's why the author reference level I and two energy.
Core energy technique -empathize it's feeling emotion with someone without judging them.
Core energy technique- get an energetic buy in. How engaged are you is energy leadership training video seven.
Five everyone's energy vibrates or resonates at different rates a persons energetic resonating rate is directly related to the individual level of consciousness. The more conscious of person is the closer to her potential the person lives and the more positive energy she has available to you. The only way to make real sustainable change in your life and your Organization is to change the level of energy. You start with your self.
ASSess energy
There are three ways to watch energy.
Visual observed the facial and body expressions.
Auditory-listen carefully to the person's tone of voice volume Word emphasis and silence. Also listen for intention behind words spoken.
Intuitive-use any of your senses to detect clues about energy that aren't readily obvious. so for me this of course will be discernment
Level one level to businesses Focus at this level is on basic needs only urges safety and survival everything about these level one and two businesses is indicative of their focus the way people look at the quality of interpersonal relationships attractive news of physical surroundings and in other dramatic and indirect ways the level of profit.
Level one advantage you don't have to lift a finger he's been little effort or energy. Disadvantage there's a lack of engagement in roles and task Plus the lack of ability to lead yourself and others.
Level II advantage yo aggressive behavior leads to getting a lot done by yourself. You can also motivate others.
Disadvantaged others motivation is from anger or fear the results will with those results sustained themselves. You can inspire others and your forcefulness will cause them to be dissatisfied unproductive quit or worse give up and not quit.
Level III advantage you don't allow others to stand in the way of what you want you have the ability to avoid block and or release the negativity of others you're able to engage.
Disadvantage you could be manipulative and self concerning hopes and promises are not given from the heart but from the head. You're not concerned if things don't work out because you did your best.
Level 4 advantage you take the little person only you truly care for any help everyone to do their job the best they can. Disadvantage you can get caught in the drama sympathy others motivation can be more for being light then for being productive.
Level V advantage you've fun opportunities in all challenges and take little to nothing personally. Disadvantage you can experience paralysis by analysis and be disengaged from emotions.
Level VI advantage you're empathetic you have the ability to feel and connect without judgment. You're also able to access intuition. Disadvantage you might not be grounded and could be out of touch with others interviewed as aloof. You may be a high risk taker.
Level VII advantage at this level that you can create anything you choose whenever you choose to as quickly as you believe possible. You are connected to an intelligence of the highest order.
Disadvantage if any there is less emotional drama as nothing is seen as real-which is why there are six other levels.
Level 2 question. How do you think your attitude has effected the company? How effective have these attitudes and actions really being in fostering the success of this business.
Principle three.
Every moment describes who you are and give you the opportunity decide if that's who you want to be.
Four energy blocks: one the limiting beliefs that you hold 2. the false assumptions on the past that you bring to today 3. The false interpretations that you make 4. The fear that you are not enough the inner critic.
June 29, 2022
I have to say, I liked this book a lot. If you know a little yoga or Buddhist philosophy, or you have an open mind, it goes a long way. Here's the deal... when I first started reading the book, I thought it was fluffy. Long on wonderful promises, well written in an easygoing style, short on science to back it up. I decided to give it a shot and see how I felt about it at the end. In a nutshell: there's a lot of good in here. Whether you buy into "energy" or not doesn't really matter. If it works, it works. Maybe not magically, maybe not all at once, but I think if you use the tools in here, you can make a lot of progress.
The "energy levels" in the book map closely to the different chakras I learned about in yoga. The lowest chakra is focused on physical safety and health, the highest is where you attain enlightenment. Similarly, the lowest energy level is where you feel like a victim and don't care, the highest is where you're fully engaged in life and take things as they are.
I've picked up similar books that blew so much sunshine up my a** that I put them right back down. This isn't like that. There's merit to the behaviors behind what they're saying. If you set aside the word "energy" and look at it like a behavior model, it gives you options for how you can respond to any given situation. You might be more physically, mentally, and emotionally able to use some than others, and that's fine. As a rule of thumb, the more mature, insightful, creative, etc., your behavior is, the more you and the people around you will get out of it. And, yes, those good things do tend to build on each other! You'll have your good days and bad, but at least now you've got a tool to help you choose how you'll respond.
Some changes I'm working on, that were inspired by the book: I revamped my office to make it brighter and more fun to work in. I'm getting back into yoga at the gym, both for the exercise and the community. I'm looking at volunteering for a cause I believe in, because it's a (very) small way to help create the world I want to live in.
The "energy levels" in the book map closely to the different chakras I learned about in yoga. The lowest chakra is focused on physical safety and health, the highest is where you attain enlightenment. Similarly, the lowest energy level is where you feel like a victim and don't care, the highest is where you're fully engaged in life and take things as they are.
I've picked up similar books that blew so much sunshine up my a** that I put them right back down. This isn't like that. There's merit to the behaviors behind what they're saying. If you set aside the word "energy" and look at it like a behavior model, it gives you options for how you can respond to any given situation. You might be more physically, mentally, and emotionally able to use some than others, and that's fine. As a rule of thumb, the more mature, insightful, creative, etc., your behavior is, the more you and the people around you will get out of it. And, yes, those good things do tend to build on each other! You'll have your good days and bad, but at least now you've got a tool to help you choose how you'll respond.
Some changes I'm working on, that were inspired by the book: I revamped my office to make it brighter and more fun to work in. I'm getting back into yoga at the gym, both for the exercise and the community. I'm looking at volunteering for a cause I believe in, because it's a (very) small way to help create the world I want to live in.
May 26, 2016
I actually would give this book a 3.5 rating if the rating tool let me. Overall I really enjoyed this read which provided a perspective on managing your energy levels to maximize how effective you are in your personal and professional life.
The basis of the book is about managing to the 7 energy levels that go from energy focused on self to self mastery to self transcendence. Each level has a core thought and a resulting action. The book highlights the importance of knowing in the moment which level you are at and more importantly the level of others you interact with. As a leader I found a lot of value in knowing my energy in certain moments and helping assess others for effective coaching.
There are several philosophical differences I have from the author that makes this rating less than a 4 for me. Specifically I tend to take a more spiritual view of life than how I would view some aspects of this book which either doesnt acknowledge God or how it relates to the concepts being introduced.
I still read thru the book and found several good takeaways. There are some great quotes in the book and as I mentioned some personal and leadership coaching techniques I think will be valuable.
The basis of the book is about managing to the 7 energy levels that go from energy focused on self to self mastery to self transcendence. Each level has a core thought and a resulting action. The book highlights the importance of knowing in the moment which level you are at and more importantly the level of others you interact with. As a leader I found a lot of value in knowing my energy in certain moments and helping assess others for effective coaching.
There are several philosophical differences I have from the author that makes this rating less than a 4 for me. Specifically I tend to take a more spiritual view of life than how I would view some aspects of this book which either doesnt acknowledge God or how it relates to the concepts being introduced.
I still read thru the book and found several good takeaways. There are some great quotes in the book and as I mentioned some personal and leadership coaching techniques I think will be valuable.
January 10, 2021
a solid case study providing an example of how the model of Energy Levels works in real life. Easy, clear and solid read to understand the concept of energy leadership for those who study the model for their coaching practice, as well as for those who are interested in the ways to grow and advance their toolkit for life satisfaction, success, and advancing where one wants to advance.
December 1, 2019
Although i found the book kind of inspirational, i feel a bit disappointed with the lack of practical advice for applying the concepts. As a story it reads well and it's engaging.
April 9, 2022
The writing itself — in terms of "plot," lyricism and prose, and actual descriptions of the "characters" in Schneider's story of corporate failure to success — is uninspiring at best. There is also little evidence-backed data to fully convince the reader of some of the loftier ideals he presents in his final chapters on absolution passion, non-judgment, and fulfillment.
However, if you can accept that Bruce Schneider is not a Joan Didion, David Foster Wallace, or Kurt Vonnegut and instead commit to the actual messaging in the book, you will find something very powerful, and possibly life-changing, in how we can view the world and our own thoughts, behaviors, and actions in a more beautiful, meaningful, and intentional, way.
I was required to read this book for my professional coaching program, and perhaps the most helpful framing to have when reading (to prevent positive or negative judgments from clouding the learning) was a quote shared in the foreword:
“If you walk away with one or two good ideas—for the price of a book—you have received a wonderful bargain.” - Tom Peters
To begin Energy Leadership with this perspective was a powerful reminder for me to commit to two things:
1) Trust the process, and
2) See this book as only an opportunity to learn -- nothing more, nothing less.
One of the things I will keep with me after putting this book on the shelf is the Fifth Empowerment Principle presented in the final chapter on “detached involvement.” To me, this paradox succinctly describes the ideal version of myself in the world — someone who gives 100% to what she does because she is fully engaged in her work and her life, and yet, at the same time, is not at all attached to the outcome of what emerges — an almost impossible feat that I wonder if only the Buddha was able to achieve for sustained periods of time.
What was perhaps relieving to me, given the daunting nature of this task, was also to read Schneider’s message that no one can actually sustain this ideal of detached involvement forever, given that the Level 7 energy state (Schneider describes our existence as a fluctuation between 7 different "levels" of anabolic and catabolic energy) where anything is achievable, everything is potential energy and passion, and no judgments exist is an incredibly hard mindset for any human to maintain. However, the intention behind this principle still lingers powerfully within me. For if I can consciously acknowledge that I want to experience anything, and increasingly accept that I do not need to experience anything, the result is that I will live myself into a state of flourishing gratitude — which, to me, is the key ingredient for fulfillment in life and any form of success. By feeling like I am no worse off if I do not hit the goal weight of X, or reach Y number of book reviews on my book, or make Z figures more than others would remove the anxiety and stress I feel about never being good enough for myself and those I love (ah, the classic gremlin, which is another concept Schneider introduces as essentially that "inner critic" that exists in our heads).
However, if you can accept that Bruce Schneider is not a Joan Didion, David Foster Wallace, or Kurt Vonnegut and instead commit to the actual messaging in the book, you will find something very powerful, and possibly life-changing, in how we can view the world and our own thoughts, behaviors, and actions in a more beautiful, meaningful, and intentional, way.
I was required to read this book for my professional coaching program, and perhaps the most helpful framing to have when reading (to prevent positive or negative judgments from clouding the learning) was a quote shared in the foreword:
“If you walk away with one or two good ideas—for the price of a book—you have received a wonderful bargain.” - Tom Peters
To begin Energy Leadership with this perspective was a powerful reminder for me to commit to two things:
1) Trust the process, and
2) See this book as only an opportunity to learn -- nothing more, nothing less.
One of the things I will keep with me after putting this book on the shelf is the Fifth Empowerment Principle presented in the final chapter on “detached involvement.” To me, this paradox succinctly describes the ideal version of myself in the world — someone who gives 100% to what she does because she is fully engaged in her work and her life, and yet, at the same time, is not at all attached to the outcome of what emerges — an almost impossible feat that I wonder if only the Buddha was able to achieve for sustained periods of time.
What was perhaps relieving to me, given the daunting nature of this task, was also to read Schneider’s message that no one can actually sustain this ideal of detached involvement forever, given that the Level 7 energy state (Schneider describes our existence as a fluctuation between 7 different "levels" of anabolic and catabolic energy) where anything is achievable, everything is potential energy and passion, and no judgments exist is an incredibly hard mindset for any human to maintain. However, the intention behind this principle still lingers powerfully within me. For if I can consciously acknowledge that I want to experience anything, and increasingly accept that I do not need to experience anything, the result is that I will live myself into a state of flourishing gratitude — which, to me, is the key ingredient for fulfillment in life and any form of success. By feeling like I am no worse off if I do not hit the goal weight of X, or reach Y number of book reviews on my book, or make Z figures more than others would remove the anxiety and stress I feel about never being good enough for myself and those I love (ah, the classic gremlin, which is another concept Schneider introduces as essentially that "inner critic" that exists in our heads).
January 13, 2020
I had to read this book as part of my Life Coaching program at Ipec. It was definitely eye opening to see how many things can be prevented by just shifting someone's energy levels. Countless times in corporate and in my previous jobs I saw how avoiding confrontation based out of fear resulted in employee morale taking a downward spiral. It was refreshing to see the complexities of dealing with your gremlins and limiting beliefs. They shape stories in our mind that are not true. Seeing the complexity in Nate and Richards relationship was also an example of dealing with people in real life. We always judge people and the situation from our point of view. We will label someone as difficult or disgruntle without taking their personal state of mind into consideration. Sometimes taking ourselves out of the equation and seeing what would be most beneficial for others are the most difficult decisions to make and the most rewarding.
This book presented many examples in business where working within catabolic energy levels only escalates situations. It was also eye opening to see how so many organizations and work environment work primarily in catabolic energy. We all know those managers, bosses, CEO's that say do as I say and are not very empowering at all. Kinda like parents when they scold their children. If they are nice and don't want to rock the boat, avoidance is usually how sticky situations are handled. Which is also counter intuitive and increases the catabolic energy in the business. It is that whole saying everyone wants to be the boss until they are the boss. Being in charge is not always easy but setting boundaries is always a must. Taking into consideration the emotional intelligence in your business is vital to the overall success. Something I have learned with time as well.
While I did not enjoy that this was a dragged out case it was very informative. Energy leadership is also full of Ipec resources and webinars to watch if you are a student. The topics discussed in this book will definitely help me in my managerial and future business endeavors. So I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve their management skills and even dealing with their own gremlins and limiting beliefs.
This book presented many examples in business where working within catabolic energy levels only escalates situations. It was also eye opening to see how so many organizations and work environment work primarily in catabolic energy. We all know those managers, bosses, CEO's that say do as I say and are not very empowering at all. Kinda like parents when they scold their children. If they are nice and don't want to rock the boat, avoidance is usually how sticky situations are handled. Which is also counter intuitive and increases the catabolic energy in the business. It is that whole saying everyone wants to be the boss until they are the boss. Being in charge is not always easy but setting boundaries is always a must. Taking into consideration the emotional intelligence in your business is vital to the overall success. Something I have learned with time as well.
While I did not enjoy that this was a dragged out case it was very informative. Energy leadership is also full of Ipec resources and webinars to watch if you are a student. The topics discussed in this book will definitely help me in my managerial and future business endeavors. So I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve their management skills and even dealing with their own gremlins and limiting beliefs.
April 25, 2025
Energy Leadership by Bruce D. Schneider surprised me—in a mixed feelings kind of way. Some parts I liked and felt like they added value to the way I lead life and others were very idealistic bordering on cringy (especially since they were taking place in a corporate setting).
This is technically a business/self-help book, but it reads more like a story, which makes it way more digestible and relatable than most books in this category.
The coaching journey of Richard, the main character, felt a little too perfect and clean at times (real life is messier), but it still gave me so many moments of reflection. I caught myself thinking, “Ah, I’ve definitely operated from that energy level before” or “Wish I had this tool back when...”
What really stuck with me was Bruce’s idea of living life not to win or lose, but just to enjoy playing the game. That hit home. I’m not a competitive person—I care more about the experience than the outcome—so it felt like someone finally put that into words and validated it as a strength.
If you’re curious about how to shift your mindset, show up differently, or lead with more awareness, it’s worth taking a look at it and examining the energy perception chart.
This is technically a business/self-help book, but it reads more like a story, which makes it way more digestible and relatable than most books in this category.
The coaching journey of Richard, the main character, felt a little too perfect and clean at times (real life is messier), but it still gave me so many moments of reflection. I caught myself thinking, “Ah, I’ve definitely operated from that energy level before” or “Wish I had this tool back when...”
What really stuck with me was Bruce’s idea of living life not to win or lose, but just to enjoy playing the game. That hit home. I’m not a competitive person—I care more about the experience than the outcome—so it felt like someone finally put that into words and validated it as a strength.
If you’re curious about how to shift your mindset, show up differently, or lead with more awareness, it’s worth taking a look at it and examining the energy perception chart.
July 29, 2025
3.5 stars. I read this because my supervisor recommended it to me after a rocky couple of months at work earlier this year, something I really can't have since I'm part of leadership now. It was worth the read, but it did take me a while to get through it due to either only reading it during in-office days or when I didn't know which book to pick next from my rather large TBR pile. The only thing that pushed me to finish this book was the fact that my last in-office day before maternity leave is next week. 😅
There is a lot of good information in this book, though, and I almost wish I had read it when the rest of the leadership team read it (but I think that was before I got the promotion last year). I would have liked to hear the other leaders' and supervisors' thoughts on this book and how they plan to and are using this information daily at work.
There is a lot of good information in this book, though, and I almost wish I had read it when the rest of the leadership team read it (but I think that was before I got the promotion last year). I would have liked to hear the other leaders' and supervisors' thoughts on this book and how they plan to and are using this information daily at work.
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August 22, 2017Reading this book was part of my training to become a life coach, but I found it changing my life in the process. The focus of the story is how to use energy levels to make a more successful business atmosphere, but touches on, and is reasonably relatable to, other aspects of life. I found myself addressing my personal life in addition to how I view my work life on the sense of energy levels. I was a little upset to see how often I slip to lower energy levels, but the awareness alone has already made me a better person, resonating at a higher average energy level. It's not often I can say a book "changed my life"- this one did. I already have a line of friends (who are not becoming coaches!) who want to borrow and read the book.
February 5, 2025
The 7-level energy framework is one of the most helpful frameworks I have come across for personal growth. It is too bad that it was packaged in this book in the form of a story (the entire book is a story, when it could have just been part of it, as illustration) that sometimes feels forced. Some people may be put off by the story-as-a-business-book, but please look past that and take in these life-changing ideas. Noticing throughout the day which energy level I am operating at, and remembering I can choose a higher level, is a profound step in up-leveling one's life. I recommend going online and printing a chart of the 7 energy levels that you can keep handy.
October 5, 2024
Life changing! I now understand the connection between energy and the world around me. How we can create and morph our energy to meet our desired end state.
I will endeavor to monitor my own energy and that of my environment with a mind to revisit the techniques in this book whenever I encounter challenges, struggles, and adversity. So I can show up and be the best version of me I am capable of being.
Thank you to my dear friend, mentor, and life coach Ben J., from Marana, AZ for showing me the way. Ben, you are my Bruce Schneider and I am grateful for your leadership.
I will endeavor to monitor my own energy and that of my environment with a mind to revisit the techniques in this book whenever I encounter challenges, struggles, and adversity. So I can show up and be the best version of me I am capable of being.
Thank you to my dear friend, mentor, and life coach Ben J., from Marana, AZ for showing me the way. Ben, you are my Bruce Schneider and I am grateful for your leadership.
December 27, 2017
In Energy Leadership, Bruce tells the story of Richard O'Connell and his consulting business team as they work through the difficult challenges that threaten to derail their future.
Bruce uses simple, yet believable characters to explain how the concepts of Energy Leadership can make (or break) this or any organization.
Today I use Bruce's Energy Leadership fundamentals of thought energy in nearly every coach-client partnership I am a part of.
Bruce uses simple, yet believable characters to explain how the concepts of Energy Leadership can make (or break) this or any organization.
Today I use Bruce's Energy Leadership fundamentals of thought energy in nearly every coach-client partnership I am a part of.
February 10, 2021
Great concepts outlined here by Bruce Schneider, told in a fable-style story. He shares some key insights into the damaging effects of catabolic energy, whilst providing one, big case study on how he worked with his client on shifting not just his client but his client's team to anabolic energy. An easy and engaging read with important messages on our own energy levels and how to support others in a more transformative way. Recommended!
July 5, 2021
This book was recommended by a coach that helped one of my high performing employees discover and pursue her true passion. The book and accompanying video/web materials were very approachable. The Energy Self-Perception chart at the core of the book was easy to understand, as was the methodology for self discovery and coaching others.
Unlike some of the other reviews, I found the narrative and business context helped me engage with the content.
Unlike some of the other reviews, I found the narrative and business context helped me engage with the content.
November 16, 2022
As an ELI-MP, my assessment would be biased of course, but i did find this book very insightful as it dived into the everyday tribulations of management at a micro-level, something you rarely find in other leadership books that focus only on principles and theories. I did think that a chapter to summarize would have been good, or one where things don't turn out the way they did and how to handle those.
September 29, 2018
I believe in the premise of this book that our energetic levels can connect or hinder our relationship to the world. If this is a new concept to you you may get quite a lot from the book. My issue was with the layout, a clunky story with numerous side bars and plugs for the rest of the authors course.
April 7, 2019
Incredibly important concepts, but the book doesn't go into a ton of depth on how to apply them. Luckily I learned about these concepts at a leadership seminar and got some very practical lessons as well, but that doesn't help anyone who only reads the book. I was recommended similar books by Eckhart Tolle at the same seminar, so those are up next.
March 8, 2022
Such a fascinating book! Who knew that by paying attention to your energy, your judgements and your assumptions could have such an impact on one’s life? As told from the perspective of an energy coach Bruce who works with Richard to turn around his company, the book demonstrates in understandable examples how to harness one’s energy and impact everyone around you. Can’t wait to learn more!
June 13, 2022
I agree with a few of the other reviews. The most helpful distinction is between catabolic and anabolic leaders. Other than that, much of the book is just recycling the power positive thinking into a business setting. A lot of vague cliches, assertions, and pseudoscience used. You may as well spend your time repeating, "If you believe it, you can achieve it." over and over and over as a mantra.
June 24, 2022
It took me a while to get into this fake novel about coaching, but I really enjoyed all the theoretical parts and I will absolutely recommend it to anyone who’s interested in coaching. The story itself, even if true, just feels too made up. The theoretical parts are fantastic and I wished the author could have just write a more practical book with several examples.
February 5, 2018
Helps you to see those things you already know but can't see for the trees.
Very nice read with very relatable stories and examples. I can see how incorporating the concepts contained could offer benefits in both business and personal life.
Very nice read with very relatable stories and examples. I can see how incorporating the concepts contained could offer benefits in both business and personal life.
November 16, 2020
Parable style business/personal growth book. I often don't like this style, but found this had a good balance of story with content and insights. I found the information helpful and valuable and continue to reflect on much of the content.
May 18, 2022
I read this book for an Emerging Leadership program for work. Although there was some useful information within the pages, I felt that the “energetic self perception chart” and energy levels to be a bit confusing within the book. It was also a bit too hokey for my taste.
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