Today is one of those days. Maybe you’re not feeling well or you haven’t slept since 2 AM or you’re just in a bad mood. Whatever reason today is a good day to be NOT a leader. Especially not the kind of leader who leads as Peter Drucker described:

Leadership is lifting a person’s vision to high sights, the raising of a person’s performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations.

Oooh, no. You just want to sit behind your desk with your favorite drink pretending to work. You don’t want any issues nor interruptions or difficult questions. Yes, you especially don’t want difficult questions.

It would have been so nice to stay at home but for some reason that was not a possibility.

How can you still show up as a leader?

Some tips:

1 – Use your ears not your mouth

Simple solution. Be quiet if you feel that you’re not wearing your leadership hat. Listen more. And if you have a strong urge to do something, don’t open your mouth. Take notes instead.

2 – Get inspired by Einstein

Albert Einstein said once:

Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.

Let’s create some illusions. If you’re not feeling well the last thing you need is the restroom mirror confirming all your yucky feelings. Still create your leadership look and create that illusion. You will start believing it yourself.

3 – Create space

Be extra kind to yourself and take a five-minute break here and there. A break in which you do nothing. You couldn’t get a break for the whole day but five-minute breaks at various moments during your day are possible. Doing nothing for five minutes can feel like a long time.

4 – Be human

What is wrong with telling people that you’re not at your best today? Do you think that your team members don’t have those kinds of days? Of course they have. You help your employees and teammates the most with being open about what is going on in your life and at the same time show up as the leader as best as you can. Then you are a role model. Don’t try to be superman or superwoman. Be human.

Showing up as a leader is about leading yourself. Through good days and through bad days. Use the tips above and you will succeed.