The Energy Bus is a simple fable by John Gordon that shows us how to use our energy by being positive. A fictional character named George teaches us ten lessons about how to use our energy for a more meaningful, joyful and passionate life. This book discusses the value of having an optimistic outlook on life and creating a positive work environment. It is also the story of how one man changed his course by discovering joy in the most unexpected places.
Summary Energy Bus.
Although this fable has to do with business, it is for everyone because it teaches you how to generate good energy and enjoy the ride of your life using ten simple guidelines. George plays the role of the everyday person in this straightforward allegory.
George, a middle manager, works in a light bulb factory. He earns well in the suburbs because of his reliable income. He can afford new cars, he has a beautiful house, and he can support his family. George, however, is not fulfilled. George is even more unhappy when both his wife and his boss set him deadlines. He will lose his wife and his job if he does not change his attitude.
Jim Gordon’s Energy Bus.
As a result of his car breaking down and having to get to work by bus, things get very hectic at work at this time. When George boards the number 11 bus, he is greeted by the perky driver, Joy. Joy informs George that her job is to cheer up the passengers, and her cheerful mood is no match for his boisterous temperament. Joy is a messenger of energy, giving ten recommendations for the ride of your life and encouraging an optimistic mindset.
By the end of the novel, George has undergone such a profound metamorphosis that he has completely changed his outlook on life. His family and wife enjoy his cheerful presence, and his marriage and home are successful.
A cheerful and purposeful life is at the heart of The Energy Bus program. It’s not that you don’t have enough goals or that you act dishonestly by pretending to be enthusiastic. The goal is to cultivate an optimistic outlook, weed out those who drain your energy, or so-called energy vampires, and embrace positivity. Let’s look at some simple lessons.
The energy bus: 10 rules
You’re the Driver.
Realize that you are in charge of your life – this is the first of The Energy Bus’s 10 rules. The most important idea is that you are in control of your life; without accepting responsibility, you cannot drive your own bus and go where you want to go. Your path will be determined by someone else.
The power of choice is your greatest gift. When you claim it, everything begins to change
You create your life; it is your bus, and it is up to you to decide what route it will take. You must create a vision for your future as you take control of your life or the wheel of your bus.
Move your bus in the right direction
Desire, vision and focus move your bus in the right direction. Focusing on that can help you turn your vision into reality. According to the law of energy, sometimes called the law of attraction, you can attract anything into your life just by thinking about it. Since you don’t want to draw anything negative, it’s important to focus your thoughts on what you want, not on what you fear or don’t want to happen. Also, please don’t complain because it only makes your problems worse. It also takes away mental energy that you could have used to achieve your goals.
Fuel your ride with positive energy
Positive energy fuels your bus, and vision and focus guide it to the right path. Negative energy produces waste, while positive energy is high-octane fuel. To be successful, you must live with optimism. Negativity will fill any gap, so think positive, feel positive and act positive so there is no room for it. Your employees will work with positive energy, but above all you yourself must possess it.
Invite people on your bus and share your vision for the road ahead
As a leader, you are responsible for rallying your team and guiding everyone on the same path. To do this, could you meet with each team member and explain your goals and expectations for their constructive input? Invite them to join you afterwards. You could also email or print bus tickets from The Energy Bus website and ask them to return the ticket when they are ready to get on the bus to demonstrate their commitment.
Don’t waste your energy on anyone who isn’t on your bus.
Please don’t waste your time trying to convince those who disagree with you and don’t worry about them. People will always refuse to ride your bus or join your team. Don’t take it personally; they might be more comfortable riding another bus, or they will cause problems on your bus regardless.
Hang a sign on your bus that says “No Entry for Energy Vampires.”
It’s best if you get rid of any negativity, especially doubters, preventing you or your team from achieving your goals. This means refusing to put up with negativity, being honest with everyone about your goals, the need for a positive team and the fact that anyone who is negative is against the project. Kick critics out of your squad if they don’t change.
Negative people create a negative corporate culture, while positive people do the opposite.
Your positive energy must outweigh everyone’s negative energy if you want to succeed.
Enthusiasm attracts more passengers and energizes them during the ride
To succeed both personally and professionally, you must radiate energy. Without it, you can’t motivate or guide others. CEOs, or energy directors, are successful people. They radiate energy, enthusiasm and good vibes in their personal and professional lives. Difficulties do not discourage them; on the contrary, they see them as a chance for progress.
Love your passengers.
The value of individuals and teams increases when a manager identifies and encourages people to use their abilities.
Part of caring is bringing out the best in others or helping them shine.
You must show care and dedication to your family, organization, team and customers to be a magnet of love and to inspire others. Everyone wants to be loved, even though it sounds trivial. Your employees also want your love. You can give them promotions, bonuses and gifts, but these things are quickly forgotten. They remember if they feel you genuinely care about them and are interested in their future. When they feel you care about them, they reciprocate by being reliable and doing a great job. On the contrary, you will encounter cynicism if you use them as a stepping stone to the next promotion.
A five-part action plan for showing love to your team members
- Make time for them.
- Listen to them.
- Get to know them.
- Serve them up.
- Bring out the best in them.
Driving with a purpose.
The most important additive to the fuel for your journey is purpose and reasons. Knowing your purpose will help you avoid burnout and keep you motivated and focused.
This kind of spirit is lacking in many businesses and their staffs. Their cultures kill people’s enthusiasm and energy, which hurts morale, retention and productivity. Big projects can be motivating, but businesses need to generate energy that lasts.
Have fun and enjoy the ride
Since we only have one life, we must embrace it. People often spend their lives worrying about irrelevant or small things like emails, deadlines, arguments and minor inconveniences, and fail to notice the beauty around them.
You will succeed when your confidence is greater than your fear.
However, you will still have a pile of unread emails after your demise. So instead of worrying about nothing, try to enjoy every moment. Live each day with purpose and joy.
You can use the above 10 tips from The Energy Bus to improve your well-being, your relationships, and your professional life.
Energy Bus Exercise – Action Plan
Step 1: Create and share your vision/purpose statement
Create your vision statement.
Develop a vision of where you want your bus to go with the help of your employees. You can either give them the vision and ask for feedback, or you can start from scratch and create a vision with them. One vision can be created or many visions can be created.
Discussion questions:
What are we striving for?
Think about the future. What is our vision?
What do we want to accomplish?
Feed your vision with purpose.
As you develop your vision, you should connect it to a greater and greater purpose. You can think about asking questions to help you define your purpose.
- How will our vision contribute to the development of the people who make up the team?
- What will others gain from our vision?
- What values do we stand for?
- What level of excellence can we strive for?
- How can we make a difference?
Are you interested in learning the difference between vision, mission, and purpose? Read Jen Kroneberger’s article in Forbes.
Share, repeat and reiterate
Give each team member a copy of your vision and mission statement. Remind all team members to refer to the vision every day. Each team member should take 10 minutes each day to make sure the group achieves its goal.
Simon Sinek’s Golden Goal is another great tool for focusing on what’s important.
Step 2: Focus – Set Goals
Decide what your team needs to achieve in order to realize your vision. Write those goals down. Identify the steps you must take to achieve the goals that will allow you to realize your vision. These steps should be written down. Give each team member a copy of these goals and next steps.
Identify who else should be on the bus to help you develop actionable steps to help you and your team achieve your goals and vision. Allow them to get on the bus.
Step 3: Overcome adversity.
Every great team, including yours, will face challenges, obstacles, and hardships along the way. Every great team will have challenges, but great teams will never let a flat tire stop them from reaching their goal. Ask the following questions when faced with difficulties, setbacks, or obstacles.
- What can we learn from this difficulty?
- What is this question trying to teach us?
- How can we learn from these difficult times?
- What chances does this obstacle give our team?
You can also read The Change Management Process in 8 Comprehensive Steps.
Step 4: People, people, people.
Positive Energy – YES: Motivate and energize your employees every day to fill the void left by negativity and prevent it from growing. Develop a culture of positive energy, including procedures and behaviors.
Negativity – NO – put up a sign that says “No Entry for Energy Vampires”: Find team members who are negatively impacting the success of your bus trip. Establish communication channels. Let them know that their behavior is negative. See if there is a good explanation. Choose a strategy that allows for success both individually and as a team. Encourage them to get on the bus with enthusiasm. Give them the opportunity to succeed. You will have no choice but to kick them off the bus if they refuse to behave positively and don’t make a difference.
You can also read Negativism in the Workplace: Blow It Up with 1 Rule and 5 Steps.
Love – EVERYTHING – Let other drivers and passengers know you care about them as you drive toward your vision and mission.
Ask the following questions:
- How do I identify them?
- How can I make the most of my time with them?
- How can I give them more attention?
- How can I support their development?
- What can I do to make them the best they can be?
- How can I help them develop their skills so they can help the team and themselves?
Step 5: Have fun and enjoy the trip
Remember that the trip and every ride on the bus should be enjoyable. It doesn’t have to be a difficult and uncomfortable trip. Ask your team often how we can improve our success and enjoyment. Find out how we can make our work more enjoyable. Remind yourself and your group that the goal of your journey should be to arrive at your destination invigorated. You form a team along the way, so it’s not just about getting there.
Conclusion – The Energy Bus.
It’s not just about us; other people are also part of the energy bus. As soon as a person appears on your energy bus, you should thank and acknowledge them. Since it is human nature to seek praise, be careful to acknowledge and welcome outstanding work and positive attitudes.
We must also realize that our purpose often extends beyond what we originally intended. Because circumstances are always changing and new opportunities can arise at any moment, it is important to remain adaptable and flexible. We can take chances and make the most of any circumstance if we are flexible and resilient.
Because joy is an energy that expands and expresses itself in the deepest way, living a life of joy is no longer just a story of one person, but becomes a collective one. David Gousse