Avoiding Energy Takers

Scott Asai
August 18, 2026

Energy management is more crucial than time management at work.

If you’re a manager, these relationships may not be avoidable, but you can limit them.

An energy taker will drain, stress and bring toxicity into your life.

But sometimes they aren’t as visible as you think.

For example, they can fall into the following categories:

It’s always about them. Basically they never ask (care) about your wellbeing.
They’re like cats. They only come around when they need something (yet elusive otherwise).
Always talking/complaining. Never listening.

So how do you enforce boundaries with these types of people?

First, I will say we live in a very narcissistic world where “self-care” is out of control.

It’s a fancy way to say “I am the center of the universe and everyone else surrounds me.”

But with that being said, there are ways to safeguard your time against energy suckers.

I like to break my day into 3 categories: important tasks, meetings & non-urgent chores.

In terms of efficiency, time block your schedule based on peak energy levels.

For instance, I prefer to start my day with important tasks when my mind in fresh and my tank is full.
Next, meetings follow as I enjoy interacting with others, but as an introvert they can drain me.
Lastly, once I’m on the verge of being brain dead/exhausted, the non-urgent chores can be completed or saved for another day.

Another helpful tip is to know your time window of efficiency.

Mine is from about 9 AM - 3 PM.

So when possible I try to schedule around my energy level versus time in the day.

But since the focus for this post is energy takers, I’m going to zoom in on meetings.

Most of us hate meetings, but I’ve made the argument before the majority of the blame belongs to poor structure.

Yet when it comes to energy suckers, it’s about being proactive with your boundaries.

If a co-worker tends to bring the mood down in the room, why would you hang out with them outside the office?
If you feel yourself getting stuck in monologue conversations, limit your time interacting with them
Most energy taker behaviors are predictable, so use better planning habits to avoid mental drainage.

The content of this post may seem harsh, but its reality.

If you care about your productivity, you have to manage your energy well.

That means knowing which relationships are a net positive versus a negative.

Ideally you’re looking for reciprocal partnerships, but in general learn to spot an energy taker before they consume your time.

Boundaries are hard to define, but when someone violates them you know it.

So next time listen to your intuition when scheduling your day.

Not all interactions as equal and it’s up to you to be proactive about it.

If you’re interested in learning more about energy management tactics, contact me here.

God Bless,

If you found this helpful and you’re looking to improve your soft skills as a leader, here are ways to work with me directly

🗣 Hire me to speak at your company or next event (watch my speaking reel here)
🎤 Invite me to lead an interactive training workshop, remotely or in-person (depending on location)
🤝 Start 1:1 coaching with me as a new manager, current leader or executive (I once managed 30 people 1:1 weekly❗️)

Also, you can help me out by forwarding this to friends whom would benefit from it! Thank you!