Even the most optimistic leaders have an off day, a time when they feel less than inspired. Still the responsibility to motivate and activate others remains. When you hit those emotional dips, you can reenergize yourself and your team by revisiting the three levers of change.

1. Describe the Positive Future State: Recall and reiterate the WHY behind your strategy and goals. When you consider those who will be positively impacted by your actions it’s easier to by motivated by and recommit to your original mission. This works for something as straightforward as reaching a sales quota or as complex as culture change.
2. Consider the Cost of Inaction: Since some people are motivated more by a fear of loss than a possibility of gain, describe the personal and professional cost of not chasing the agreed goal. Scare tactics are not an effective or ethical leadership practice, but you do have a responsibility to point out the hazards of inaction or stalled decision-making. Strike the right balance and you’ll harness the power of Push, which can complement the compelling Pull generated from step one.
3. Provide a Comfortable First Step: Even the weariest of warriors can move forward. When you’re feeling drained, it’s okay to adjust the pace, but forge ahead with small steps. Often simply the act of taking action will reinvigorate people and generate momentum for the wider team.

You can’t be 100% on all the time. Everyone one has low points. They are natural and usually brief. But even if you’re truly exhausted, see it as an opportunity rather than a weakness. It might be the perfect time to hand over the leadership reigns – even temporarily and allow your high potentials a chance to grow.

Displaying vulnerability often makes one stronger. It has the compounding effect of strengthening those around you and they rise to the challenge. Often times you’ll find yourself reinvigorated by the actions of others and some you never expected.

Need a career coach? Contact me via www.PlotlineLeadership.com.

Be sure to check out my latest book The Introvert’s Guide to Job Hunting and follow me on Twitter at @timtoterhi