Tips 4 Tuesday: 16 Ways to Lead with Clarity, Energy, and Purpose

Over the past month, we launched something special: Tips 4 Tuesday, a weekly leadership boost for real-world impact. Inspired by the leadership principles in my book Leading the High Energy Culture (McGraw-Hill), these short bursts of wisdom were designed to ignite your thinking, sharpen your focus, and elevate your leadership presence.

In case you missed them — or just want to revisit your favorites — here’s a quick recap of all 16 tips, grouped into four core themes.  Let’s dive in.

Week 1: Clarity of Purpose

1. Identify Your Core Values: Your values are your compass. List 10; circle your top 3.
2. Craft Your “Three-Piece Purpose”: Personal, Professional, Aspirational.
3. Take the Energy Audit: Compare how you spend time vs. what truly matters.
4. Write a One-Sentence Purpose Statement: Purpose should be simple, repeatable, and true.

In my book, we studied leaders at Raymour & Flanigan who consistently performed at a high level. Their secret? Crystal-clear purpose.

Week 2: Priorities and Momentum

1. Align Priorities to Purpose: If it doesn’t serve your purpose, it doesn’t get on your calendar.
2. Say “No” Strategically: Every “yes” costs you something. Be protective.
3. Energy Follows Focus: Block your best energy hours for your most important work.
4. Share Your Purpose with Your Team: Purpose is contagious. Invite others into the vision.

Week 3: Energy as a Leadership Asset

1. Own Your Energy Zones: Know when you’re sharpest. Plan accordingly.
2. Treat Energy Like Currency: Make deposits (rest, joy, purpose), minimize withdrawals (stress, drama).
3. Audit Your To-Do List: What fuels you? What drains you? Trim the fat.
4. Model High-Energy Leadership: Your energy is your brand. Lead with it.

Week 4: Strengths in Action

1. Name Your Strengths: Take the CliftonStrengths assessment.
2. Claim Your Strengths: Your gifts are not by accident.
3. Aim Your Strengths at Today’s Challenges: Intentional use is the difference-maker.
4. Stop Fixing Weaknesses: Goldfish were not built to climb trees. Monkeys, however…