This week yields a natural low energy period as the clocks changed. It is dark again as you leave work and your body clock starts to settle in for the winter.   If you are like most, you are dragging a little bit and your work energy level is a little depleted. You want to take a nap, not listen to another team member drone on about an issue, project, or personal problem.  You want to get YOUR work done and go home.  You know that this can’t last, but…  So what can you do when you just don’t want to be a leader?

In my experience, I would suggest that you should:

1. Review Your Quarterly and Annual Goals.  In most companies, your team has less than three weeks of practical work time to achieve your goals.  Now is not the time to sleepwalk through your day!  Rally yourself and your troops and push.  There is nothing like the rush of trying to make numbers.
2. Schedule Team Building.  If you are in the midst of a “work slowdown”, guess what?  Your team probably is as well.  Time for a team outing- climbing wall, Trampolines, bowling, something physical and fun.  Your team and you will be refreshed and rejuvenated.
3. Look in the Mirror.  Remember that in order to be a great leader, you need character and conviction.  Reaffirm your commitment to your team.   You don’t want to let them down because you are in a low energy period.
4. Start Exercising.  People who exercise have more energy.  People who are energetic are better leaders.  Get off your butt and hit the gym.
5. Drink more water and less coffee/soda.  Drinking water reduces the crashes that come with caffeinated drinks.  Being fully hydrated will make you feel better and give you more energy.

The key to jumping starting your work clock is to change whatever is bringing you down.  You need to break your routine, focus on the short term goals that your team needs to hit, and force yourself to be the leader that your team has come to expect.  Anything less is a letdown.