As leaders, we often think about the influence we have on those around us. But have you ever considered yourself as both a thermometer and a thermostat?
A thermometer is reactive. It reads the room, taking in the temperature, the moods, the energy levels, and the dynamics of your team or environment. When you’re in thermometer mode, you’re sensing what’s happening beneath the surface—what’s unspoken but still felt. For example, is there tension that isn’t being acknowledged? Are people fatigued after a long project? Are they excited about new opportunities? As a leader, this awareness is crucial, because it’s easy to overlook the small things that can snowball into larger issues. You’re not just listening to words—you’re tuned in to the pauses, body language, the underlying concerns no one is verbalizing yet.
But leadership doesn’t stop at being a thermometer. It’s not enough to simply know what’s happening—you have to know how to shift it. That’s where the thermostat comes in.
A thermostat, on the other hand, is proactive. It doesn’t just sense the temperature; it changes it. When the room is tense or demoralized, what do you bring into that space to shift it? It could be a well-timed question, a small gesture of encouragement, or even a decision to address a conflict head-on.
But here’s the key: great leaders don’t forcefully change the temperature; they adjust it mindfully. You don’t crank the heat up when the room’s already smoldering. You might cool things down with a calm, focused conversation, or bring the heat up when the team’s energy dips, helping them reignite their motivation. There are moments to nurture quiet reflection and others to spark creative energy.Being a thermostat means recognizing when to lead from behind and when to step forward boldly. It means you’re not just reacting to the energy in the space; you’re shaping it.
In leadership, the delicate dance between thermometer and thermostat is ongoing. The best leaders know how to move between both modes effortlessly. And the most skillful leaders recognize that it’s not about imposing your own temperature on others. It’s about creating a climate where everyone can thrive, feel productive, and motivated.
How might you shift the temperature around you tomorrow?
