Energy Leadership, 2nd Edition

1Thank God It's Monday!

A leader doesn't just get the message across – a leader is the message.

—Warren Bennis, authority on organizational development, leadership, and change

Things just felt different.

When I walked through the doors of O'Connell Consulting, a familiar face caught my eye. I approached her desk and noticed how the mahogany gleamed. The crisp sign on it read Christina Suarez, Executive Assistant.

Christina welcomed me: “Good morning, Bruce.” She looked bright, relaxed. “You're here early. Can I get you anything?”

Of all the changes I had seen in this company, none could match the transformation Christina had made. Her hangdog expression I had encountered on my first visit had vanished and her air of resignation and “why bother?” was history. Even her workspace was different – the boxes of unfiled folders cluttering the entryway were gone and the old, scuffed reception desk had been replaced with one much more aesthetically pleasing and inviting.

Christina spoke animatedly, without a trace of the mumbling I experienced when I first met her. She made me feel welcome, the way someone would greet you at a casual party. It was delightful to see her new and improved demeanor – a powerful indicator of the revitalization that had taken place here.

“I don't need a thing, Christina. It's great to see you, though,” I remarked, returning her warmth with my own. “You make it such a pleasure to be here,” I said, and meant it from the bottom of my heart. There was that ...