From Stakeholders to Energy Holders – Making it Happen

In sports and business, keeping score matters. In relationships, it often backfires. When we push too hard to “win,” we usually lose what matters most: trust, momentum, and shared purpose.

Ask Real Questions, Not Rhetorical Ones

The fastest way to get on the same page with others is to shift from judgment to curiosity. Two simple questions can unlock clarity and forward motion:

1. Where are we right now?

2. Where do we want to be next?

These aren’t performance reviews—they’re invitations. They spark thoughtful dialogue and open the door to shared direction.

The Engagement Gap

• Only 31% of U.S. employees felt engaged at work in 2024, according to Gallup.
• Fewer than 4 in 10 believed someone at work genuinely cares about them.
• Unresolved tension—at work, school, or home—can quickly lead to disengagement or situational depression.

Connection and engagement go hand in hand—and both can be strengthened with small, intentional shifts.

The Energy-Holder Exercise

1. List Your Top 10 Relationships
Include both personal and professional connections—those whose presence affects your energy and attention.

2. Rate Each One Twice (Scale of 1–10)
Now: How would you rate the health of this relationship today?
Next: Where would you like it to be in the near future? (e.g., 4 > 8)

3. Invest Weekly Touchpoints
Set aside a few minutes each week to reconnect. Afterward, reflect on where the relationship stands:

🟢 Green: Growing relationship
🟡 Yellow: Status quo
🔴 Red: Distant or disengaged 

4. Use a Simple Opening Line
“I was thinking about you and wondering how your energy level is this week.”
Over time, you might say:
“You’re an important energy-holder in my life. I’d love to increase our connection—would that be welcome?”

Or even:
“Do you feel I bring as much energy to your life as you bring to mine?”

5. Revisit Monthly

At the end of each month, reassess each relationship using the same 1–10 scale. Most people begin to see clear, encouraging shifts.

Why This Works

• Shifts focus from score-keeping to energy-building

• Builds awareness of how small moments create momentum

• Helps turn stakeholders into collaborators—and collaborators into allies

Ready to Try?

Block fifteen minutes this week to begin your Energy-Holder list. You might be one question—and one relationship—away from unexpected clarity, healing, or progress.

And that’s the power of getting on the same page.

Let’s Go! The example above is done simply using this Apple App on a phone. For those more plug-n-play inclined, check out this download which will work on any device.