All of us have had moments in our lives that make us aware. One of my moments was when, ten minutes into a presentation I had thought would last 20 minutes, I suddenly ran out of time. It wasn’t an oversight. It was a familiar pattern that resurfaced: A working relationship which started out well, had degraded.
This moment made me reflect on my assumptions, my emotions and my mindset. My internal shift occurred immediately when I changed my mentality and acted in accordance with my intentions.
This experience sparked the idea of “Personal Energy Mapping”, a model that I created to help professionals who feel stuck, unfulfilled or frustrated and are willing to take on responsibility for creating change within themselves.
Since then, PEM has been used to coach clients at NHS. Three promotions, a better-paying job, two Zenith Global Health Award recipients, academic publications and a renewed clarity are the results. PEM improves performance. Through personal transformation, it reveals self insights that encourage one to make changes in their lives.
PEM is a must-have for organisations who care about their employees.
What is Personal Energy Mapping (PEM)?
Personal development is the internal transformation that happens when someone chooses to align their actions with their beliefs, emotions and reactions. PEM helps individuals to do this by using creative coaching techniques and structured reflection to develop reflexivity, the ability to align in the moment.
Here’s an example of PEM (Energy – Feelings). Take one of the core Personal Energies-feelings, and walk through PEM.
Scenario: A manager named “Jodie” is preparing to facilitate an open discussion between two members of a team who are at odds.
Step 1: Describe your situation
“Jodie”, a character in the film, describes what is happening and her role.
Step 2: Notice your feelings
Is “Jodie”, dreading this meeting? Do you feel like a frustrated child? Calm and optimistic? PEM encourages you to notice these emotions without judging them. This awareness is important because she will unintentionally transmit that emotional energy, e.g. through body language, even before speaking a word. The team members will then receive and interpret it according to their perceptions.
Step 3: Determine your goal
What is the desired outcome for “Jodie?” Perhaps calm resolution. She decides to be neutral and open. No eye rolling, sighing or tutting. This intention shifts her inner state.
Step 4: Align yourself
“Jodie”, during the meeting, is aware and pays attention to her feelings. If irritation begins to creep in, “Jodie”, gently aligns herself to her intention of being calm.
Imagine the dynamics of “Jodie”s” meeting, if each team member had completed an individual Personal Energy Map before the meeting, and set their intentions. This energy would allow for a space of reflective listening, accountability and a positive outcome.
Why PEM is important to HR
PEM is a simple, yet transformative way to add value to your strategy for people development. It is particularly effective because it takes into account the context and experience of individuals and encourages reflective practice. PEM, as a process cultivates long-term behaviour change.
Key applications
PEM helps staff within the organisation approach, for example, appraisal objectives, with a purpose, intention and more confidence.
PEM can be used by team leaders and project managers to achieve shared goals and reduce the emotional impact of differences.
PEM helps executives and directors make better decisions.
Integrating PEM into existing programmes
PEM is a great complement to the skills training that you offer. It allows employees to integrate formal learning into their lives by aligning with their values, mindset and sense of purpose.
PEM builds the capacity of an individual to consistently and meaningfully do what they are taught.
Personal Energy Mapping in Practice
PEM is a great tool for professionals who regularly practice:
From reactivity to responsiveness
Take responsibility for your own actions instead of blaming others.
* Deal with feedback and challenges more confidently.
* Achieve a greater sense of purpose and meaning at work.
PEM does not focus on perfection. PEM is about making real-time decisions in alignment with what’s most important.
A resilient workforce is one that reflects on its actions.
Personal Energy Mapping is a new way to approach HR issues such as organisational culture and retention. It also addresses engagement, wellbeing, Equality Diversity & Inclusion, and the importance of diversity.
PEM encourages professionals to reflect, slow down and act with purpose so that they can work well. This is not a quick-fix, but it’s sustainable. The benefits are felt by everyone, from the individual to the team to the organisation.
The next time you hear a co-worker or employee say they “hate” their job, it’s possible they are out of alignment. PEM can assist them in finding it.
