The Energy Bus

10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy

By Jon Gordon

Outline of a bus Yellow bus

Presented By:

Andrea Alicoate • Irma Ashworth • Jaye O'Donnell • Ian Linssen • Ed Quedens

An office background A stressed character

Our story begins with George. His life was stalling out. His work was joyless, his marriage was strained, and negativity was his only companion. Then, a flat tire forced him off his own path and onto a bus where he met a charasmatic driver named Joy who would change everything.

Yellow bus
Joy, the bus driver

Joy presented him with the "10 Rules for the Ride of Your Life"

  1. You're the Driver of the Bus.
  2. Desire, Vision and Focus move your bus in the right direction.
  3. Fuel your Ride with Positive Energy.
  4. Invite People on Your Bus and Share your Vision for the Road Ahead.
  5. Don't Waste Your Energy on those who don't get on your Bus.
  6. Post a Sign that says "No Energy Vampires Allowed" on your Bus.
  7. Enthusiasm attracts more Passengers and Energizes them during the Ride.
  8. Love your Passengers.
  9. Drive with Purpose.
  10. Have Fun and Enjoy the Ride.
View from the driver's seat of a bus on a road

1. You're the Driver of the Bus.

"This is the foundational rule. We are not victims; we are the drivers, responsible for the direction of our own lives, careers, and the energy we bring to the City of Mesa."

2. Desire, Vision and Focus move your bus in the right direction.

"It starts with Desire—the deep-seated will to make a difference. That desire fuels our Vision, which in turn gives us the Focus to navigate the road ahead."

A vision of a beautiful park A vision of a thriving business A vision of a strong community

3. Fuel your Ride with Positive Energy.

"Positivity is the high-octane fuel for a successful journey. It's the optimism and resilience that powers us through challenges and celebrates wins."

An empty fuel gauge A full fuel gauge
Vision Map Icon

First, prepare the vision...

Yellow bus

4. Invite People on Your Bus and Share your Vision for the Road Ahead.

"We can't make the journey alone. It's our job as leaders to clearly and passionately share our vision so the right people want to get on board."

Character 1 Character 2 Character 3 Character 4 Character 5
Yellow bus driving
Disinterested characters at a bus stop
5. Don't Waste Your Energy on those who don't get on your Bus.

"Not everyone will want to join your journey, and that's okay. The key is to conserve your energy for those who are on the bus with you, not to worry about those who are not."

A dark, thorny forest A bright, green forest An energy vampire An energy vampire An energy vampire 'No Energy Vampires' sign
6. Post a Sign that says "No Energy Vampires Allowed" on your Bus.

"While we don't waste energy on the disinterested, we must proactively protect our bus from active negativity. A positive culture is a protected culture."

An energized and enthusiastic team
7. Enthusiasm attracts more Passengers and Energizes them during the Ride.

"A leader's genuine enthusiasm is a magnet for talent and a powerful motivator for the entire team."

A vignette of people collaborating
8. Love your Passengers.

"This means serving your team: investing time, mentoring, listening, and recognizing their contributions. Strong relationships are the bedrock of a great team."

Yellow bus driving toward the skyline
Mesa city skyline
9. Drive with Purpose.

"Purpose is the 'why' behind our 'what'. It connects our daily work to our greater mission of serving the citizens of Mesa, giving the entire journey profound meaning."

10. Have Fun and Enjoy the Ride.

"A journey filled with purpose is a journey worth enjoying. We must remember to celebrate our successes and appreciate the people we share the bus with."

Celebration Firework

"The 10 Rules of the Energy Bus are our roadmap. By driving with purpose and passion, we can make the City of Mesa an incredible journey for everyone. Thank you."

Andrea Alicoate • Irma Ashworth • Jaye O'Donnell • Ian Linssen • Ed Quedens