Relational energy literature predominantly emphasizes leader’s role, suggesting that positive leader behaviors energize followers. However, the follower’s role and the dyadic interaction remain under-explored. Drawing on recent developments in dyadic research, we reexamine the relational nature of relational energy. By integrating Collins’s interaction ritual chain theory with Heider’s balance theory, we develop and test a model examining how the balance of efforts into the relationship influences relational energy and subsequent follower resilience. Using multilevel polynomial regression response surface analysis of 309 leader-follower dyads, we find that the balance of efforts into the relationship matters in generation of relational energy and then resilience. Our study extends theoretical understanding of relational energy, interaction ritual chain theory, dyadic research, and resilience management.
