Energy is defined as the capacity to work or the force that helps us to do things with vitality and intensity (Reese, Brandt, and Howie). Having positive energy enables us to make the necessary decisions as far as how we are going to handle unforeseen situations as they present themselves, as well as providing us the “juice” we need in order to perform daunting tasks on a daily basis. Energy can be either positive or negative in terms of how we deal with interpersonal relationships. Positive energy can be achieved through support received from family or colleagues. Negative energy on the other hand can be destructive and divisive which can create havoc in the work place. The authors stated that “it is positive energy that helps us cope with disappointments, uncertainty, and work that is physically and mentally demanding (Reese, Brandt, and Howie).

Creating a positive work environment is essential to the success of any business. As the age of adage states “if your employees are happy then your clients will be happy.” Our need for positive reinforcement is critical in how we perform in our daily lives. Few of us have outrageous ego’s to be able to maintain high self-esteem without receiving encouragement or positive feedback from our friends, family, or peers. Without positive experiences in our lives, many people suffer from a deficit of energy. It was interesting to read that in recent years, there have been some researchers who have actually quantified the cost of negativity in the workplace. The results showed that “negative or actively disengaged workers cost the U.S. economy between $250 and $300 billion a year, according to the U.S. Gallop International Research & Education Center.” I was shocked that anyone was able to quantify this monetarily, however when they were able to associate the costs to high employee turnover, absenteeism, fraud, and