I didn’t realize how exhausting it was to give CPR.
I learned this lesson recently while taking a Red Cross CPR and First Aid certification class. The 30-2 cycle of chest compressions is no joke. It’s like doing pushups while simultaneously trying to remember if you left the stove on – both physically and mentally draining.
But it wasn’t the only thing I learned.
Our 5’2” instructor, Maria, was a force of nature. She could do CPR chest compressions longer than all of us… combined!
She told us upfront that she usually teaches 2-3 classes a day, every day. Each class was 3-4 hours long. That’s a lot of speaking, a lot of demonstrating, and a lot of repeating the same information over and over again. It’s like being a parent, except instead of telling kids to clean their room, you’re teaching adults how to restart hearts. I get tired just thinking about it.
Did that stop Maria from being energized and engaged? Absolutely not.
She was a whirlwind of enthusiasm, patiently guiding us through each step, answering every question, and keeping us motivated throughout the day. Her passion for the material was contagious, and it made a real difference in our learning experience.
Research has shown that a leader’s work passion can have a significant positive impact on employees’ work passion Maria’s dedication reminded me of a three powerful lessons from Dance Floor Theory:
- To engage Level 5 Leaders, you have to let them lead others. A hallmark of a Level 5 Leader in DFT is that they spend most of their time helping and teaching others at lower levels of engagement. Maria was in a room filled with a bunch of Neutrals, 1s, and 2s and she led with passion and purpose.
- Where the energy flows the engagement goes. Maria’s energy was infectious. It lifted the entire class and made us more engaged in the learning process. Positive energy breeds positive engagement.
- Engagement, like leadership, is earned through actions, not titles. Maria wasn’t the head of the Red Cross nor anywhere near the executive suite. Her job title is Red Cross Trainer. But based on her level of care and passion, you’d think she wrote the curriculum!
Maria’s dedication serves as a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about titles or positions; it’s about action and engagement. Though I’m pretty sure she also enjoyed watching a room full of professionals singing “Staying Alive” for the chest compression rhythm.
Here are three key takeaways from Maria’s example, inspired by Dance Floor Theory, that leaders can implement in their teams, organizations, or communities:
1. Empower Level 5 Leaders To Lead – Just like Maria, Level 5 Leaders thrive when they’re given the opportunity to lead and support others. They are the heart of a thriving team, organization, or community, but their impact is limited if they’re not empowered to share their knowledge and passion. As a leader, identify your potential 5s and create opportunities for them to mentor, coach, and guide others. This might involve assigning them leadership roles in projects, encouraging them to lead training sessions, or simply giving them the space and autonomy to share their expertise with their peers.
2. Cultivate Positive Energy – Maria’s infectious enthusiasm reminds us that energy is contagious. Leaders who bring passion and positivity to their work create a ripple effect that energizes and motivates their teams. Make a conscious effort to cultivate a positive and supportive environment. Celebrate successes, offer encouragement, and show genuine appreciation for your team members’ contributions. Remember, where the energy flows, the engagement goes.
3. Lead by Example – Maria’s dedication to her work, despite not having a fancy title, demonstrates that leadership is earned through actions, not titles. As a leader, embody the values and behaviors you want to see in your team. Show up with passion, commitment, and a genuine desire to help others succeed. Your actions will speak louder than any title or position, inspiring your team to follow your lead and contribute their best.
By implementing these lessons, leaders can create a more engaged, energized, and thriving environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and inspired to contribute their best. Remember, leadership isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being present, passionate, and invested in the success of your team.
