What Is the Energy Leadership Index (ELI)? A Beginner’s Guide
Most people never stop to think about how
their energy affects their results.
We chug coffee, power through back-to-back meetings, maybe scream into a pillow once or twice, and then wonder why we feel drained, frustrated, or like we're constantly pushing a boulder uphill with a toothbrush.
But what if I told you there's a way to actually measure how you're showing up—energetically—in life, work, and relationships? And better yet, shift it.
That’s where the Energy Leadership Index (ELI) comes in. It’s like a personality test got together with a mindfulness retreat and had a science-backed, life-changing baby.
In this post, I’ll break down what the ELI is, how it works, what those “energy levels” really mean, and how my coaching clients have used it to reduce burnout, get unstuck, and finally stop doom-scrolling job boards at 2am.
Over the years, I’ve seen clients use this tool to land big promotions, crush sales goals, start businesses they’d been dreaming about for years, and finally repair relationships they thought were beyond saving. And they did it all with less stress, more time, more freedom, and—yes, it’s possible—more joy.
What Is the Energy Leadership Index (ELI)?
The ELI is an assessment that helps you understand the energy you're bringing into different areas of your life—and how that energy shifts when you're under stress.
It was created by iPEC (the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching), and it’s a core tool used by certified coaches (hi, that’s me 👋) to help people figure out why they feel stuck, burned out, reactive—or just not quite like themselves.
The ELI doesn't just hand you a label and say “good luck!” It gives you real insight into how you're operating, why you're reacting the way you are, and where you can shift to create more joy, ease, and impact.
>> If you’re already curious about taking the assessment, you can learn more here.
How the ELI Assessment Works
It starts with an online assessment you take on your own time—no need for makeup, pants, or even full consciousness (although I recommend at least one cup of coffee).
You’ll answer a series of questions that measure your energetic response to everyday situations and how that shifts under stress. It takes about 20 minutes.
Then the real magic happens: we hop on a one-on-one debrief session together. I walk you through your results, help you decode them, and we have an honest, juicy conversation about what it all means for you.
Important note: This is NOT a test. There’s no “good” or “bad” score. You can’t fail. (Unless you count ignoring the results and continuing to suffer needlessly, in which case... we should talk.)
The 7 Levels of Energy Explained
The ELI measures seven different levels of energy—each with its own vibe, strengths, and drawbacks. Some are what we call catabolic (draining), while others are anabolic (constructive and growth-oriented).
Most of us live in a mix of these, and that’s totally normal. Let’s break them down:
Level 1: Victim Energy
This is the “everything is happening to me” energy. Think: hopeless, stuck, defeated. Like that time Rachel, a lawyer client of mine, admitted she cried in her car for 15 minutes before going into work—every day. She was deep in Level 1, until she realized she had more choice than she thought.
Level 2: Conflict Energy
Here we’ve got anger, blame, resentment. It’s you vs. the world. My client James lived here before every team meeting—he thought if he wasn’t pushing, nothing would get done. Turns out, it was exhausting everyone (including him).
Level 3: Responsibility Energy
This level is calmer: “I’ll deal with it.” You get stuff done but may be tolerating more than you should. Example: Bob bugs the crap out of you and makes inappropriate remarks during team meetings, but you grit your teeth and ignore it so you guys can get this assignment done by the deadline. You make the client happy, but your teeth hurt from clenching your jaw the whole time.
Level 4: Service Energy
Here, you’re focused on helping others. It’s loving, compassionate, and awesome… unless you forget you’re a human, too. (Hello, fellow burnout-prone empaths.)
Level 5: Reconciliation Energy
Win-win thinking. There’s opportunity in every challenge. My client Dan used to panic when deals fell through—after his ELI, he started seeing them as data, not disasters.
Level 6: Synthesis Energy
Intuition, flow, oneness. You’re connected to something bigger. My artist client Mila calls this “painting energy”—time disappears, magic happens.
Level 7: Non-Judgment Energy
Total presence, peace, and purpose. Rare, but beautiful. It’s the monk-on-a-mountain level (or you, post-nap, in a hammock with no phone in sight).
What Your Results Reveal
Your ELI results show your average energy level (kind of like a vibe-o-meter) and how your energy shifts under stress.
So many clients have that “Aha!” moment when they see their stress response jump to Level 2. Like, “Ohhh… so that’s why I get super snarky when deadlines loom or my partner leaves dishes in the sink again.”
Once you see your patterns, you can change them. With awareness comes choice—and choice = freedom.
Real-Life Benefits of the ELI Assessment
The ELI isn’t just about navel-gazing. It’s a catalyst for serious transformation.
Clients have used it to:
✅ Set clearer boundaries (shoutout to Jenny, who now says “no” without apologizing)
✅ Improve communication (like Alex, who finally stopped micromanaging his team)
✅ Reduce burnout (hello, naps and enjoying weekends again)
✅ Lead with more confidence (even at home, with your toddler or your dog)
It’s like getting your emotional and energetic “operating system” upgraded—without needing to turn it off and on again.
Is the ELI Assessment Right for You?
If you’re:
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or like you’re always reacting
Feeling stressed or burned out and don’t know how to fix it
Curious about personal growth but don’t know where to start
A high performer who has big goals but no more energy to accomplish them
A heart-centered human at a crossroads…
Then yes, friend. The ELI is for you.
What to Expect from an ELI Debrief Session
Our session is where the dots connect. We’ll look at your results, explore patterns, and identify the low-hanging fruit for change.
I might ask:
What’s one area where you feel drained?
How do you typically react under pressure?
Where could a small shift create a big impact?
This isn’t a lecture—it’s a conversation. One that often ends with “Whoa, that explains so much…”
FAQs About the Energy Leadership Index
Cat the Coach, ELI Master Practitioner.
How much does the ELI cost?
I offer the assessment + 90-minute debrief session for $195.
Can I take the ELI on my own?
Not really—it’s designed to be unpacked with a certified coach. That’s where the transformation happens.
Is the ELI like a personality test?
Nope. It’s about how you show up and how you choose to respond—not who you are. This is good news! It means you can implement the changes we outline and see your energy scores rise over time.
Is this woo-woo or science-backed?
It’s legit. It’s actually one of the top-rated business assessments according to Forbes. The ELI is grounded in research and used by coaches and leaders all over the world. But hey, I still believe in naps and intuition, so it’s the best of both worlds.
Final Thoughts
The Energy Leadership Index is a powerful mirror. It reflects how you’re showing up, how stress is impacting you, and where you have the power to shift—starting right now.
If you’re ready to feel more like yourself (the you that’s inspired, energized, and actually enjoys Mondays), maybe it’s time to take a peek under the energetic hood.
