The Energy Bus, an international best seller by Jon Gordon, takes readers on an enlightening and inspiring ride that reveals 10 secrets for approaching life and work with the kind of positive, forward thinking that leads to true accomplishment at work and at home. Jon infuses this engaging story with keen insights as he provides a powerful roadmap to overcome adversity and bring out the best in yourself and your team. When you get on The Energy Bus you’ll enjoy the ride of your life.
- Create Your Vision
Identify the vision that’s driving you and spend time communicating with your team on where your bus wants to go. You may start with your own vision or you may start with a blank slate and craft together with your team. Remember, you don’t have to limit yourself to one vision. Create multiple visions if that’s what you need. Ask yourself:
- What are our goals?
- What do we see in the future?
- What do we hope to accomplish?
- Fuel Your Vision with Purpose
As you develop your initial vision, you may want to attach it to bigger and more meaningful purpose. Ask yourself:
- How will our vision benefit the growth of each individual in the team?
- How will our vision benefit the community?
- What greatness do we strive for?
- What do we stand for?
- How can we make a difference?
- Write Down Your Vision/Purpose Statement
Don’t just leave your vision in your head. Make it concrete. Put it onto paper.
- Focus on Your Vision
Share your written vision with your team. Encourage everyone to take a look at it daily. Ask each individual to visualize the team achieving your shared vision for 10 minutes a day.
- Zoom Focus
Identify the path you must take and obstacles you must overcome to bring your vision into reality. Write them down. List action steps and share with each team member.
- Get on the Bus
Identify who else can help you implement the action steps and achieve your vision. Find and invite them onto the bus.
- Fuel the Ride with Positivity
Instill positive energy into your bus and look out for areas where negativity can breed. Incorporate practices and process that cultivate positive energy and extreme enthusiasm.
- Post a Sign that Says “No Energy Vampires Allowed”
Identify energy vampires that are affecting the work of your team. Open the lines of communication and let them know why their actions and behaviors are affecting others. And give them a chance to succeed. If they fail and continue to spread negativity, it’s time to consider to let them go.
- Navigate Adversity and Potholes
Expect adversity at every corner of your journey. Instead of running away from adversity, face into it. Every ride has struggles but great teams don’t let flat tires stop them. Ask yourself:
- What can we learn from this adversity?
- How can we grow from this adversity?
- What opportunities does this adversity present us?
- Love Your Passengers
Over the course of your ride, care about your passengers and show them that you care. A little compassion and humility go a long way in reaching your destination. Ask yourself:
- How can I recognize my team?
- How can I spend more time with them?
- How can I listen better?
- How can I serve better?
- How can I develop them as a better team member and a better person?
- Have Fun and Enjoy the Ride
Every bus ride doesn’t have to be a difficult and painful ride. You can find fun in every bit of your trip. Ask your team how you can incorporate fun into the process and bring more joy to the work you do. Remind yourself that you want to reach a destination with a smile on your face.
“It’s not just about the destination but about the team you become along the way. And remember you have only one ride through life so give it all you got and enjoy the ride!”