How Great Leaders Manage Their Energy Like CFOs Manage Cash
- Matt Eichmann
- Jun 24
- 3 min read
Every leader knows the power of a strong P&L. But seasoned operators? They know where the truth lives: the cash flow statement.
Because cash—not revenue, not margin—is king. It fuels growth. Covers risk. Buys you time and options.
Now flip that lens inward. Want to know how you’re really doing as a leader?
Check your energy flow.
Because energy, like cash, is finite. And if you're not managing it—you’re leaking it. And if you’re running low, your team feels it first.
Free Cash Flow Doesn’t Lie
CFOs obsess over free cash flow for good reason—it slices through spin. It answers three questions:
Runway – How long can we operate if nothing changes?
Resilience – Can we take a hit and keep moving?
Real health – Are we generating value—or just treading water?
It doesn’t matter how good the topline looks—if cash dries up, the game is over.
Energy Flow Works the Same Way
Leadership isn’t just about direction. It’s about presence.
According to Harvard Business Review, up to 70% of team performance comes down to the leader’s emotional tone.
You're the thermostat.
Whether you mean to or not—you're setting the temperature.
So, here’s the question:
What would your energy statement say today?
Just like cash, energy has:
Sources – rest, exercise, purpose, clarity, progress
Uses – reactivity, indecision, conflict, overload
If you're not paying attention to the flow, you're burning through reserves—and missing what matters most.
Great leaders manage their energy just as seriously as they manage their financials. It’s not a luxury; it’s a performance imperative.
Spot the Leaks. Redirect the Flow.
Leadership isn’t steady-state. Some weeks, you’re called to go big, i.e. closing a deal, navigating tension, making the hard call.
Other weeks? The real move is pulling back, i.e. cutting energy-sucking distractions and focusing on what drives the mission.
Try this quick energy audit:
Where’s your energy coming from?
(Do you have what you need for the road ahead?)
Where’s it going?
(Are the drains worth the cost?)
Are you investing with intent—or reacting on autopilot? (What are you going to do about it?)
The 4 Energy Leader Types
Every leader is managing an energy equation—consciously or not. Here's how it shows up:
Type | Energy Traits | Impact |
Overdrawn | Always on, reactive, depleted | Burns out fast. Drags others down. |
Stuck in Neutral | Low drive, unclear priorities | Team stalls. Morale erodes. |
Strategic Spender | Intentional, focused, sets boundaries | Drives results without burnout. |
Renewable Leader | Grounded, recharges self and others | Builds capacity. Attracts top talent. |
Great leaders manage their energy to avoid burnout and elevate those around them. So, where are you today?
Where do you need to be?
Energy Is the Competitive Advantage
The best leaders don’t just manage time or talent; they manage their energy with precision.
It’s your most precious leadership asset. It shapes culture, sets pace, and determines how long you can truly lead.
And just like cash: When you start tracking it, everything changes.
Try This Monday Practice
To lead well, start by leading yourself.
Each Monday, take five minutes to answer:
✅ What 3 things fuel my energy?
✅ What 3 things drain it?
✅ What 1 shift can I make to stay in the zone this week?
Small awareness. Big leverage.
Because your energy shapes your climate.
And your climate shapes your team’s performance.
Final Word
At Catalyst Point Leadership Advisors, we don’t just help leaders “manage energy.”
We act as confidential thought partners—coaching senior leaders and their teams through high-stakes transitions, tough seasons, and complex challenges. When energy is drained, stakes are high, or clarity is elusive—we bring a shot of adrenaline and help leaders reset, refocus, and rise.
If you need a trusted partner to help you lead through your next inflection point, let's talk.
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