The Energy Test: How People Feel After Interacting With You
The leadership signal you’re sending without realizing it
Not long ago, I was talking with an executive leader who couldn’t figure out why his senior team felt off and disengaged.
The numbers were fine. The strategy was clear, at least in his mind. He was decisive, thoughtful, and deeply committed to the business.
And yet, engagement was slipping. Meetings felt flat. People weren’t bringing ideas forward. There was less initiative than there used to be.
“I don’t get it,” he said. “Nothing’s really changed.”
But something had.
It just wasn’t what he thought.
A simple question
So I asked him a question I ask a lot of leaders:
How do people feel after they interact with you?
He paused.
Not what you say.
Not what decisions you make.
Not how smart or capable you are.
How do people feel?
Do they leave your office or your meetings feeling clearer or more confused? Energized or drained? Confident or second-guessing themselves?
Because whether you realize it or not, that’s your leadership signal.
What was really happening
As we dug deeper, a pattern emerged.
This leader spent a lot of time thinking about strategy, people, and decisions. He processed things internally, often arriving at conclusions before meetings even started.
Then in meetings, he would share his decision or direction, expecting the team to align and execute.
From his perspective, he was being efficient. Clear. Decisive.
From the team’s perspective, it felt very different.
They didn’t know how he got there. They weren’t asked for input. They didn’t feel part of the thinking process.
So they stopped offering ideas. Not because they didn’t care, but because it didn’t seem to matter.
Over time, they began to feel disconnected, undervalued, and less accountable for outcomes.
And that shift in energy started showing up everywhere.
Why this matters more than you think
Leadership isn’t just about what you decide. It’s about how people experience you while those decisions are being made.
You can have the right strategy, make smart decisions, and move quickly, and still create an environment where people hesitate, withdraw, or disengage.
Because people don’t just want direction. They want to feel included, heard, and respected.
When leaders don’t communicate their thinking or invite input, teams fill in the gaps themselves, and rarely in a positive way.
They assume: “My perspective isn’t valued.” “Decisions are already made.” “Why bother speaking up?”
That’s how good teams go quiet. And sometimes, they stop showing up fully long before they ever hand in their resignation.
The energy test in action
Think about the leaders you’ve worked with.
Some leave you feeling sharper, more focused, more confident.
Others leave you thinking: “I’m not sure where I stand.” “They didn’t really listen.” “I’ll just wait to be told what to do.”
That’s the energy test.
And your team is taking it every single day.
Three things worth thinking about
If you don’t share your thinking, people can’t connect to it. Your team doesn’t just need your decision. They need to understand how you got there. Sharing the “why” and your thought process builds trust and alignment.
Input creates ownership. When people are invited into the conversation, even if the final decision is yours, they feel more invested in the outcome.
Silence is a signal. If your team has stopped speaking up, it’s rarely a personality issue. It’s usually an environmental issue. Pay attention to what your presence might be communicating.
A small shift that makes a big difference
You don’t need to change your entire leadership style.
Try this: in your next meeting, before sharing your conclusion, say:
“Here’s what I’ve been thinking about. What am I missing?”
That one question can completely change the energy in the room.
A final thought
Most leaders focus on what needs to get done.
Fewer focus on how people feel while it’s getting done.
But that’s where culture lives.
Because in the end, people don’t just remember the decisions you made. They remember whether they felt like they were part of them.
And if you want help thinking through how you show up and how your leadership energy is impacting your team, I’m always happy to have that conversation. Sometimes a small shift creates a meaningful change.
Onward and Upward,
Executive Coaching and Consulting for business CEOs, Owners and Presidents
If you are looking to grow your business or amplify your personal leadership skills, I would love to have a conversation with you. You can email me at karen@karencaplan.com for a no obligation conversation.
