245. Matching Energy with John B

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YCM Podcast / Matching Energy

Matching energy is what it sounds like. You match the energy of your mentee. If he is excited, you get excited. If your mentee is down, act accordingly. 

This is about losing yourself for the sake of your mentee. It is about creating a safe space for them to celebrate, process, or grieve. 

Here are some tips on matching energy: 

Notice your mentee. Non verbals. Facial expressions. Read the situation as soon as you come into contact with them. 

• Ask questions, but use discernment on when to stop asking questions. If they don’t want to talk, honor that. Sometimes words are not necessary. 
• If they are excited, match that. Celebrate with them. This can be hard as adult, because we have seemed to forget how to celebrate. 
• If down, check in on them. If they are excited, remind them of the good thing they are celebrating often. 
• Pray with them. Can we thank God for this celebration? Can we ask God for comfort? 

What not to do:

It’s ok to encourage, but don’t make them feel bad for feeling bad. 

• Don’t be a wet blanket. We get it. You’re tired. You’re stressed. Get your eyes off self and on to them. There is so much power in joy, laughter, and celebration. 
• Don’t one up. Just don’t. 

Think of the person of Jesus. How did he act when he was at a party? Do you think he laughed? Was full of joy? How did he act towards the sick or down and out?

Jesus was full of compassion. He was observant. He was 100% focused on others. Whatever the other person needed, he figured out what they needed and gave it to them. 

We must see our mentee. Truly see them. 

We must know them and know when there is more than some underneath the surface going on. 

We must enter into the meeting with them thinking “How are they? What do they need? How can I serve them?”

Son of man came to serve. 

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