In this episode (and the full essay), we rethink productivity by shifting the focus from time management to energy management — a distinction that changes everything for supervisors and teams.

Time is fixed.Energy is renewable.And a supervisor’s energy sets the temperature of the entire workplace.

Drawing on real-world leadership experience (and the hard-won lessons of weeks where the tank hits empty by Tuesday), this piece explores how managing your energy and your team's energy is the key to sustained performance, morale, and retention.

What we cover:

Why energy > time for leadersHow energy leaks, stress, and unclear expectations drain a team faster than any deadline.

The Principle of FiveOnce you supervise more than five people, someone will underperform unless you intentionally manage the emotional and cognitive load of leadership.

The Hidden Energy DrainsLone tasks, role creep, and silent calendars quietly suffocate performance. We break down how to spot and fix them.

The Supervisor PlaybookPractical tools: weekly energy check-ins, focused pairing, micro-rituals, and monthly recharge plans that model healthy boundaries.

Metrics That Actually MatterSimple indicators that show whether your team is thriving or teetering.

Reflection QuestionsA short set of prompts to help leaders identify where their energy goes—and where to reclaim it.

Key takeaway:Managing tasks is necessary.Managing time is helpful.But managing energy is the true competitive advantage — the force multiplier that makes teams sustainable, resilient, and capable of real excellence.

Get full access to I'm Just Getting Started at anthonydonovan.substack.com/subscribe