The Energy Bus: Literature Test

Questions and Answers

George was like a reluctant ______ in his own home.

celebrity

She had become good at mounting a good ______ to preempt George’s attacks.

offense

The bus driver had the two brightest eyes and the biggest ______ he had ever seen.

smile

She called them ______.

Dimmers Signup and view all the answers

George had a really important ______ he had to get to today.

meeting Signup and view all the answers

George stood in his driveway looking at his ______ and shaking his head.

car Signup and view all the answers

His tire was completely ______, and George’s face was about to burst.

flat Signup and view all the answers

George had an important meeting with his ______ at work.

team Signup and view all the answers

The usual noise and chaos were coming from the ______.

kitchen Signup and view all the answers

As soon as the children saw him, the ______ erupted.

cheers Signup and view all the answers

On a scale of 1–10 how ready would you say you are for this product ______?

launch Signup and view all the answers

Unfortunately, it takes a ______ for so many of us to change.

crisis Signup and view all the answers

Without __________ buildings don’t get built, and paintings don’t get painted.

focus Signup and view all the answers

The more we __________ on something, the more it shows up in our lives.

focus Signup and view all the answers

Every crisis offers an opportunity to grow ______ and wiser.

stronger Signup and view all the answers

George thought of his mother with ______ and how she had told him all the changes she wanted to make.

cancer Signup and view all the answers

Thoughts are __________; what we think about, we attract.

magnetic Signup and view all the answers

When you complain you get more things to __________ about.

complain Signup and view all the answers

What matters most is what you do with your ______.

crisis Signup and view all the answers

If you build it in your mind, focus on seeing it, and take __________, the success will come.

action Signup and view all the answers

Your positive energy and vision must be greater than anyone’s and everyone’s ______.

negativity Signup and view all the answers

Sometimes you will have an Energy Vampire on your bus like a ______ or someone who you can’t kick off.

boss Signup and view all the answers

Positive energy is like ______.

muscle Signup and view all the answers

Repetition is the ______ and the more you focus on positive energy the more it becomes your natural state.

key Signup and view all the answers

There will always be people who don’t share your ______.

vision Signup and view all the answers

His positive energy wasn’t that ______.

powerful Signup and view all the answers

George felt his body getting weak as if the energy was being ______ out of him.

sucked Signup and view all the answers

He realized Tom didn’t believe in him because George didn’t believe in ______.

himself Signup and view all the answers

Joy told George to find the ______ in himself.

value Signup and view all the answers

The team needed serious direction, focus, and positive ______ today.

energy Signup and view all the answers

To really tap the power of your heart and lead with positive, contagious energy you must love your ______.

passengers Signup and view all the answers

You become a Love Magnet by loving your employees, your customers, your company, and your ______.

family Signup and view all the answers

The more love you put out the more that comes ______ to you.

back Signup and view all the answers

It’s a process not a ______.

goal Signup and view all the answers

Love is something that needs to be ______.

nurtured Signup and view all the answers

Joy pointed at the sign and directed George and her passengers to look. 'Isn't it amazing,' she said, 'how the signs of life always appear at the right time to guide us on our ______?'

journey Signup and view all the answers

Danny lifted up the sign, which said this. 'Don't ignore the signs, George. Love is the answer for the team's ______,' she said.

success Signup and view all the answers

George had never heard of anyone talking about love and ______ in the same sentence.

business Signup and view all the answers

When you use the signs to find the right path and make a decision to follow it, God will move heaven and ______ to support you.

earth Signup and view all the answers

Obstacles dissolve. Creative ideas ______. It's how it all works.

appear Signup and view all the answers

Live and work like you have nothing to lose and everything to ______.

gain Signup and view all the answers

Don’t be too stressed to feel ______.

blessed Signup and view all the answers

The best legacy you could leave is not some building that is named after you but rather a world that has been impacted by your presence, your joy, and your positive ______.

actions Signup and view all the answers

And when it comes to legacies remember this: the best legacy is a world that has been touched by your presence, your joy, and your positive ______.

actions Signup and view all the answers

This could be the last time he’d walk through these doors as an employee or it could be his first day on the job as the Chief Energy ______.

Officer Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

George's Troubling Day

George struggles with recurring misfortune, symbolized by a flat tire on a critical day.
His frustrations mount as he discovers his spare tire is also flat, leading him to seek help from his neighbor, Dave, who is unavailable.
George's chaotic home life includes a bustling morning with his wife, kids, and a new puppy, intensifying his stress.

George's Interaction with His Wife

Tension arises between George and his wife as she lists her own responsibilities, emphasizing the shared burdens of family life.
His wife's criticism highlights George's perceived selfishness and lack of awareness of her contributions, exacerbating marital issues.
George’s desperate request for a ride results in an argument, with his wife suggesting he take the bus instead, reflecting their communication struggles.

The Unexpected Bus Ride

George reluctantly boards Bus #11 after an emotional exchange with his wife, feeling defeated and irritated.
The bus driver, Joy, embodies positivity, in stark contrast to George’s negativity, insisting that everything happens for a reason.
Joy's cheerful demeanor challenges George’s mindset, prompting him to reflect on his life and choices.

George's Realization

Joy categorizes people as "Dimmers," recognizing those who are drained by life's challenges, including George, who is unaware of his own state.
Joy’s motivational dialogue leads George to consider the possibility that his perceived misfortunes could hold lessons.
Despite George's resistance, Joy's words plant a seed of introspection regarding the control he has over his own life narrative.

Consequences and Reflection

George experiences a major life setback when he learns about crucial brake issues with his car that were discovered due to the flat tire.
He faces his marital issues head-on, realizing his negativity affects his relationship with his wife and children.
As George walks home, he reflects on the pressures of balancing family and work, feeling trapped by his circumstances and past actions.

George's Mental State

George's stress accumulates, leading him to question how he lost sight of his earlier ambitions and joy in life.
The burden of expectations weighs heavily on him, with a looming threat of losing his job and straining relationships.

The Challenge to Change

By the end of his tumultuous day, George acknowledges the need for change and improvement, fostering a sense of desperation.
George's introspection during his walk reveals a desire to break free from the cycle of negativity and reclaim his life.
His journey symbolizes the struggle between external circumstances and internal choices, setting the stage for potential transformation.### George's Awakening
George realizes he must make significant changes to save his job, family, and marriage.
Arrives early at the bus stop, reflecting on past frustrations at work filled with conflict and crises.
Contemplates dismissing his team but acknowledges they are not inherently bad; they have lost direction.

Joy's Presence

Joy, the bus driver, greets George warmly, sharing her personal challenge of caring for her ailing father.
Her positive outlook contrasts with George’s struggles, demonstrating resilience despite personal difficulties.
Joy emphasizes that everyone has their own problems, suggesting shared human experiences.

The Energy Bus Philosophy

Joy introduces the concept that being on the bus is not a coincidence; it signifies an opportunity for transformation.
Presents "The 10 Rules for the Ride of Your Life," aimed at guiding George through his personal challenges.
The team on the bus, including Danny and Marty, contributes to the positive environment, encouraging change.

Rule #1: You're the Driver

Joy asserts the importance of personal responsibility, stating that George is the driver of his own life.
Not taking control leads to passively following others' decisions and losing a sense of agency.
A significant statistic reveals that more people die on Monday mornings at 9 A.M., highlighting dissatisfaction with work.

Energy and Attitude

Everything in life is energy, encompassing thoughts, words, and the company one keeps.
Positive energy fuels better experiences in life, and it is up to the individual to choose their energy.
Joy encourages George to smile to shift his energy and mindset, underscoring the power of positivity.

Vision Creation

George must reclaim his vision for life, career, and family to foster positive change.
Joy provides a structured approach for George to articulate his desires, bridging the gap between thought and action.
Emphasizes that personal vision is essential for setting a purposeful direction in life.

George's Vision

George shares his vision for personal fitness, aiming to regain health and well-being reminiscent of his past athletic success.
Expresses a desire to improve relationships with his children and wife, aspiring to be a positive influence and partner.
Reflects on the need for joy and laughter in his marriage, recalling the connection he once shared with his wife.

The Energy Bus: Key Concepts

Crisis as Opportunity: Joy teaches George that crises can lead to growth and change. Acknowledging challenges allows individuals to clarify what they truly want in life.
Desire, Vision, and Focus: Rule #2 emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus on one’s vision. The key to transforming ideas into reality lies in positive thinking.
Law of Attraction: Joy explains that thoughts are magnetic. Focusing on positive outcomes attracts positive experiences and reinforces the belief that thoughts influence reality.
Role of Complaining: Complaining leads to negative outcomes. Joy stresses the need for a positive mindset to create a desirable life experience, using the mantra “We’re Winners, Not Whiners.”
Power of Visualization: Visualization is a tool used by Olympic athletes. Practicing visualizing successes helps individuals manifest their goals in real life.

Positive Energy and Its Impact

Fueling with Positive Energy: Rule #3 teaches the necessity of positive energy for success. Positive thoughts and feelings create momentum toward achieving one’s goals.
E + P = O Formula: Events in life (E) are influenced by one’s perception (P), which determines outcomes (O). Changing perceptions positively can lead to better results.
Transforming Negativity: George learns to release negativity by focusing on gratitude. Recognizing positives, even in tough situations, helps cultivate a healthier mindset.
Daily Practice: To maintain high levels of positive energy, consistent practices such as gratitude and visualization should be integrated into daily life.

Relationships and Team Dynamics

Collective Positive Energy: George must transmit positive energy to his team to ensure a successful product launch. Engaging his team in his vision is crucial for collective success.
Influence of Leadership: Joy emphasizes that leaders must foster a positive environment. Positivity in leadership can inspire teams and drive performance.

Practical Techniques

The Thank-You Walk: A practice of walking while expressing gratitude to boost positivity and reduce stress. Engaging in this exercise can significantly elevate mood.
One Great Golf Shot Theory: Focusing on one positive aspect of each day can help cultivate a mindset geared toward optimism and inspiration for future successes.
Team Rituals: Encouraging team members to share daily successes can foster a positive culture, shifting focus from problems to achievements.

George's Transformation

Personal Growth: George experiences a significant mindset shift as he begins to focus on gratitude and visualization, influencing not only his work life but also his home life.
Cultivating Positivity: By embracing and practicing these principles, George prepares to lead his team effectively towards the upcoming product launch, especially for the NRG-2000.### Energy Bus Principles
Rule #4 emphasizes inviting others to join your "bus" and sharing your vision to foster teamwork and collective energy.
The more people you invite, the higher the energy for the journey.
The objective is to have an energized team for successful endeavors, underscoring the importance of collaboration.

Team Invitation Process

E-bus tickets can be sent via email, allowing clear communication of vision and goals to potential team members.
Sending printed tickets fosters personal interaction and commitment, reinforcing ownership of the team vision.
Individuals are encouraged to express their purpose and vision clearly, which helps align the team towards common goals.

Overcoming Negativity

Individuals will encounter negative people throughout their journey; the focus should be on overcoming the negativity rather than on those embodying it.
Rule #5 advises not to spend energy worrying about those who choose not to get on the bus; focus on those willing to participate.
Positive energy should be prioritized, as worrying about detractors detracts from engaging and energizing supporters.

Managing Negative Influences

Negativity can be represented by "Energy Vampires" who drain energy and enthusiasm from the group.
Rule #6 requires establishing a positive atmosphere by refusing to allow negative influences on the team.
Team leaders must confront negative individuals directly, offering a final chance to contribute positively or face removal from the team.

Personal Responsibility and Strength

It’s vital for team leaders to embody resilience and positivity, regardless of external negativity and setbacks.
Leaders must focus on maintaining a supportive atmosphere that aligns with their vision and goals.
Like Abraham Lincoln, individuals are reminded that overcoming challenges is part of the journey towards success; perseverance is essential.

Action Steps for Teams

Create an environment where every team member understands the collective vision and engages with that vision actively.
Develop strategies to assess team dynamics and encourage positive participation.
Emphasize the necessity of communication and emotional strength to combat negativity effectively, ensuring a productive and cohesive team experience.

The Ultimate Rule of Positive Energy

Joy emphasizes the significance of positive energy exceeding negativity from others, stating, "Your positive energy and vision must be greater than anyone’s negativity."
Doubters exist who will challenge dreams, seeing them as unattainable for themselves and others.
Individuals may become Energy Vampires, draining positivity from those around them, particularly in work settings.
Cultivating positive energy daily is essential, akin to developing a muscle; focusing on it makes it become a natural state.
Joy gives George a symbolic rock, instructing him to find value in it as a reminder of self-worth and recognizing potential in others.

George Takes Control of His Bus

George starts taking decisive actions against negativity within his team, beginning with a meeting to confront Energy Vampires.
Each encounter tests George's newfound strength; he initially struggles against the strong negative responses from team members.
Larry is ultimately convinced by George’s demand for a positive contribution, while Tom reacts aggressively, expressing his disdain for George's leadership.
The dynamic shifts as George recognizes his own self-doubt has allowed Tom and others to undermine him.
Recognizing his worth and the value of team cohesion, George fires Tom, releasing himself from the weight of negativity.

Overcoming Challenges and Learning to Lead

As George faces resistance from other team members, he adopts a strategy of openness and accountability, acknowledging past failures to foster a stronger team environment.
He aims to create a supportive atmosphere, asking José for help to improve morale and productivity.
George reflects on personal growth, focusing on being better than he was yesterday, and realizes self-improvement is crucial not just for himself but for his entire team.

Dream and Vision for Future Success

George experiences a dream symbolizing hope and redemption, highlighting the importance of trust in the process towards achieving goals.
He understands that his approach to leadership and team dynamics needs to evolve, aiming to cultivate a collaborative environment.
George embraces the philosophy of constant learning and development to enhance performance and lead the NRG-2000 product launch successfully.

Themes of Transformation

The significance of positive energy as a driving force for individual and team success is underscored throughout George's journey.
The concept of taking ownership of one's circumstances, facing challenges head-on, and evolving as a leader is a key takeaway from George’s experiences.
Acknowledging strengths and weaknesses, while actively working on them, is portrayed as a critical step in personal and professional growth.### Emotional Energy and Leadership
Emotions can elevate or diminish one’s spirit; “E-motion” is understood as energy in motion.
Positive emotional states, such as joy and enthusiasm, are crucial for personal well-being and influence others positively.
Focusing on feeling good fosters a contagious positivity, making others around you feel good as well.

Importance of Heart-Centered Leadership

A leader must tap into their heart to create authentic connections; leading from the heart enhances leadership effectiveness.
Emotional intelligence (EI) is vital for success, contributing to about 80% of adult success in work and life.
Leadership transformed by heart is often more effective than traditional management styles.

The Roll of Chief Energy Officer (CEO)

The term CEO shifts from Chief Executive Officer to Chief Energy Officer, emphasizing the importance of energy in leadership.
Positive energy is essential for inspiring teams, enhancing morale, and ensuring productivity.
A contagious positive attitude attracts co-workers and customers, creating a lively, collaborative work environment.

Enthusiasm as a Key Driver

Enthusiasm, derived from the Greek word "entheos" meaning “filled with the divine,” plays a significant role in leadership.
Enthusiastic leaders naturally attract people, fostering engagement and collaboration among team members.
Living and working with enthusiasm promotes a positive atmosphere, making challenges opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.

The Impact of Negative vs. Positive Energy

Negative energy radiates through leaders, affecting the overall morale and productivity of the team.
Leaders must understand that their emotional state directly influences the team’s culture and performance.
Creating a positive environment starts with the leader’s energy; enthusiasm begets enthusiasm, creating a chain reaction of positivity.

Practical Application of Leadership Principles

Leaders are encouraged to embody enthusiasm genuinely, as forced positivity can be perceived as insincere.
Team members should be empowered to also become Chief Energy Officers, encouraging a unified, energetic culture within the organization.
A positive corporate culture increases employee satisfaction and outperforms negative competitors in terms of performance and financial success.

Research Insights

Studies by the Institute of HeartMath indicate that the heart’s electromagnetic field is significantly stronger than the brain's, influencing how others perceive our emotional state.
Emotional cultures cultivated by leaders can lead to high performance and employee retention, showcasing that energy is an organization's core asset.

Embracing Positive Energy

George, motivated for change, contemplates taking action for his work and personal life.
Joy, a key character, teaches George the significance of following signs that guide our journey.

Love as a Fundamental Principle

Rule #8 states that "Love is the answer" to achieving success with a team.
Joy emphasizes that loving employees, customers, and family creates a positive, contagious energy essential for business.

Becoming a "Love Magnet"

A "Love Magnet" is someone who demonstrates genuine care towards others, fostering a supportive environment.
Enthusiasm initiates engagement, but true commitment comes from showing love and appreciation.

Recognizing Employee Needs

Employees seek recognition and want to feel valued beyond monetary incentives.
Genuine acknowledgment of individual contributions strengthens loyalty and drives productivity.

Five Ways to Love Your Passengers

Make Time for Them: Invest quality time in understanding team members, prioritizing personal connections.
Listen to Them: Active listening nurtures trust and demonstrates empathy; employees crave to be heard.
Recognize Them: Personal and meaningful recognition boosts morale; appreciation should be heartfelt and not generic.
Serve Them: Leaders should focus on supporting employee growth, which in turn fosters team effectiveness.
Bring Out the Best in Them: Help team members discover and utilize their strengths, enabling their growth and success.

Overcoming Fear with Trust

George grapples with self-doubt and fears rejection from his team despite newfound knowledge.
An unexpected interaction with Michael, a former rival, provides George the opportunity to act on trust, reshaping his perception.

Importance of Choice

George learns that he has a choice to lead positively or remain paralyzed by fear.
Trust, both in himself and in others, is highlighted as a crucial element for overcoming challenges.

Final Thoughts

Joy’s teachings encourage George to continue sharing love, energy, and positivity in his workplace.
Recognizing the potential within each team member can transform the work environment, enhancing both individual and collective success.### George's Journey of Transformation
George is determined to overcome fear, viewing it as a barrier to achieving his goals.
He embraces the concept of "a leap of faith," finding strength through trust in God, himself, and his team.
After a late night at the office, George feels overwhelmed but remains hopeful for his upcoming presentation.

Missing the Bus

George misses the bus and feels frustrated about not being able to communicate success with his team.
Despite missing the bus, he reflects on the team's increase in energy and productivity following his leadership.
George seeks guidance from his colleagues Joy and Jack before the big presentation.

Rule #9 - Drive with Purpose

Joy sends George a letter emphasizing that purpose fuels life’s journey, preventing monotony.
A story of President Lyndon Johnson shows that employees with a purpose excel in their tasks.
Companies often lack spirit, leading to morale and performance issues; leaders should cultivate shared purpose.

Team Collaboration and Vision

Instead of George dictating the vision, he encourages the team to create a shared purpose together.
The team formulates three core principles that define their goals, focusing on greatness, teamwork, and the positive impact of their work.
Collaborative brainstorming generates a sense of unity, motivation, and a commitment to a collective mission.

Evening Preparation for Game Day

George's team comes together to work late for the upcoming product launch, demonstrating collective effort and energy.
He realizes the significance of shared vision as his team's commitment enhances their preparation.

Game Day

George feels prepared and energized on the day of the presentation, having rebuilt relationships with his family and colleagues.
Joy encourages the team to focus on gratitude rather than stress, creating a positive mindset for success.
Eddy, an elderly passenger, introduces the idea of living joyfully and valuing experiences over material gains.

Final Insights from Eddy and Marty

Eddy’s perspective emphasizes enjoying life’s journey instead of accumulating wealth; it's about happiness and fulfillment.
A study highlights that elderly individuals often wish they had taken more risks and embraced joyful moments.
Life should be viewed as an opportunity to celebrate experiences rather than getting bogged down in details or stresses.

Each step in George's journey emphasizes the importance of trust, purpose, and collaboration, ultimately leading to a transformative experience both personally and professionally.

Key Themes and Messages

Emphasize living without regret; approach life as if there’s nothing to lose.
Maintain an optimistic, child-like excitement about life, akin to Christmas morning.
Focus on gratitude and blessing rather than stress or comparison to others' successes.
Live and work each day with purpose and joy; carry the spirit of joy forward in challenges.

Key Character Insights

Joy serves as a transformational figure, guiding George and illustrating the impact of positivity.
George experiences personal growth through adversity, realizing that challenges can lead to success.
Legacy is defined by the positive impact on others rather than material achievements.

The Presentation Experience

Executives initially doubt George due to past performance issues, expecting failure during his presentation.
George overcomes fear by recalling Joy’s teachings about the importance of positive energy.
The presentation exceeds expectations, transforming the atmosphere and winning executive approval.

Team Dynamics and Success Celebration

George's team is deeply invested in their project, demonstrating a strong desire for team celebration and recognition.
The sense of shared accomplishment fosters unity and reinforces their commitment to future success.
George treats his team to a celebratory lunch, acknowledging their hard work and impact.

Life Lessons and Perspectives

Adversity is viewed as a necessary part of growth, providing valuable lessons.
Shift focus from past pains to future possibilities by asking what can be learned from challenges.
Joy becomes a central theme, encouraging George to savor moments and experiences in life.

Symbolism of the Bus

The "Energy Bus" symbolizes a journey filled with positivity, teamwork, and shared joy.
Creating a new sign detailing the "10 rules" signifies the importance of clear guidance and community support.
George decides to embrace the bus lifestyle, representing a commitment to joy and collective growth rather than isolation in personal success.

Conclusion

Joy and optimism are key to enhancement of both personal and professional experiences.
Celebrating victories and fostering team spirit leads to lasting impacts and an uplifting environment.
George's transformation demonstrates the powerful effect of positivity and shared purpose in overcoming adversity.

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Description

This quiz focuses on analyzing the narrative structure found in short stories. Participants will explore character development, conflict, and thematic elements, using George's misfortunes as a case study. Engage with the text to deepen your understanding of storytelling techniques.