Contagious Culture by Anese Cavanaugh examines how a person’s energy and attitude can spread throughout a team or organization—just like a contagion. Cavanaugh’s main point is that leadership isn’t just about giving orders or being the boss; it’s about influencing the feelings, motivation, and engagement of the people around you. She believes everyone, not just managers, shapes the “culture” of a group by the way they show up each day.

Cavanaugh introduces the concept of “Intentional Energetic Presence” (IEP), which means being aware of your own thoughts, emotions, and body language. This awareness allows you to make conscious choices about how you want to interact. For example, if you notice you’re feeling stressed or frustrated, you can take steps to calm down or re-energize before you speak to someone else. That way, you don’t accidentally pass along negativity.

Throughout the book, Cavanaugh emphasizes the idea that caring for yourself is a crucial part of being a positive influence. If you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, or not in a good mental space, it’s hard to uplift others. Therefore, routines like regular exercise, proper sleep, and personal reflection can help you stay steady. She also recommends practices like short “presence breaks,” where you pause to breathe deeply or stretch, as a quick reset during a busy day.

Another significant point in Contagious Culture is the effect of empathy and clear communication. Cavanaugh advises readers to really listen to colleagues or friends instead of just waiting to talk. She believes that small gestures—like thanking someone for their help or acknowledging their ideas in a meeting—can build trust and rapport. Likewise, being honest and direct when giving feedback can prevent misunderstandings and resolve conflicts more effectively.

For group leaders, Cavanaugh provides concrete tools such as creating a shared vision statement, establishing team “norms” that encourage open dialogue, and regularly checking in on how everyone is feeling. These methods can help foster a supportive environment where people aren’t afraid to speak up or share creative ideas.

Overall, Contagious Culture is a guide to creating positive change by starting with yourself. By becoming more mindful of your energy, taking care of your emotional well-being, and interacting with kindness and clarity, you inspire others to do the same. The result is a “contagious” effect—improving both the attitude of your group and the outcomes you can achieve together.