Let me ask you this: Have you ever met someone who walks into a room and it’s like the entire energy shifts? Suddenly, people are smiling, leaning in, and paying attention. It’s not necessarily what they say or even how they look—it’s the energy they bring.
Now, let’s flip that. We all know those people who have the opposite effect—the ones where, the moment they leave, you feel like you can finally breathe again.
Here’s the thing: The energy you bring into a room speaks before you do. And that energy? It’s contagious.
Whether you’re leading a team, pitching a client, or just connecting with your circle, your energy doesn’t just affect you—it influences the entire room. When you own and intentionally shape that energy, you become magnetic. You become the person people want to follow. Let’s unpack how to do that.
Your Energy Speaks Louder Than Words
Science has a lot to say about this. Research from the field of emotional contagion—the idea that people “catch” emotions from others—shows that energy is not just personal; it’s relational. When you walk into a room with positive, confident energy, it spreads. Similarly, negative or disengaged energy can bring everyone down.
One fascinating study published in The Journal of Organizational Behavior found that leaders who exhibit high levels of positive energy not only improve team morale but also boost overall productivity. Why? Because their energy creates an emotional ripple effect, setting the tone for how others feel and behave.
Are You Lighting Up the Room—or Draining It?
Now, this is where self-awareness comes in. Ask yourself:
- What energy do I typically bring into a room?
- Are you the spark that energizes the space, or do you unintentionally bring the clouds?
- What cues are others picking up from me?
- Your body language, tone, and even facial expressions broadcast your mood long before you speak.
Here’s the hard truth: If you’re not intentional about your energy, you’re still influencing the room—but it might not be in the way you want.
How to Own the Energy You Bring
Owning your energy doesn’t mean faking positivity or trying to be someone you’re not. It means being intentional about how you show up and how you make others feel. Here’s how:
1. Check Yourself Before You Enter the Room
Before you walk into any space, take a moment to pause and reset. Ask yourself:
- What energy do I want to bring into this room?
- How do I want people to feel when I’m here?
A quick mindset shift—like thinking of yourself as a source of light or possibility—can change everything.
2. Be Fully Present
People can feel it when your mind is somewhere else. If you want to influence the room, you’ve got to be in the room.
- Make eye contact.
- Put your phone away.
- Show people they have your full attention.
When you’re present, you create a sense of connection that draws others in.
3. Use Your Body Language to Amplify Your Energy
Your body speaks volumes. Use it to communicate positivity and openness:
- Stand tall—your posture signals confidence.
- Smile—it’s the simplest way to radiate warmth.
- Use gestures that invite collaboration, like open hands or leaning in slightly when someone speaks.
4. Manage Your Inner Dialogue
The way you talk to yourself affects the energy you project. If your internal script is full of doubt or negativity, it will show. Instead:
- Replace self-doubt with affirmations like, “I’m here to add value,” or “I bring solutions and possibilities.”
- Remind yourself of your purpose and why you’re there.
5. Be the Thermostat, Not the Thermometer
A thermometer adjusts to the environment, but a thermostat sets the temperature. When you walk into a room, don’t just adapt to the existing energy—create the energy you want.
- If the room feels tense, bring calm.
- If it feels dull, bring enthusiasm.
- If it’s chaotic, bring focus.
When you take control of the energy, others will naturally follow your lead.
Why Energy is the Key to Influence
When you own your energy, you’re not just influencing how people feel in the moment—you’re shaping how they see you and how they respond to you.
Think about it:
- Magnetic energy builds trust. People gravitate toward those who make them feel good.
- Positive energy inspires action. When your energy is uplifting, people feel empowered to do their best work.
- Focused energy commands respect. When you’re calm and intentional, people see you as someone worth listening to.
Your Energy Legacy
Here’s a question I want you to ask yourself every day:
When I leave the room, what do I want people to feel?
Do you want them to feel energized, inspired, and ready to take on the world? Or relieved that you’re gone? (Ouch—but we’ve all met that person.)
The choice is yours. The way you show up matters—not just for you, but for everyone you interact with. So, the next time you step into a meeting, a room, or even a casual conversation, take a moment to own your energy. Because when you do, you don’t just light up the room—you influence it.