Leading from Low.

No matter how well things are going in your sphere of leadership, there will be days (or seasons) when you are emotionally dragging bottom, but you still have responsibilities. People still look to you. You have to put on your big-girl or big-boy pants, show up, and get stuff done. You might even have to inspire others when your own inspiration is drooping.

They don't teach that in business school, so what do you do? Here are a few quick strategies...

• Be somewhat honest. You don't need to (and probably shouldn't) dump all your worries, frustrations, etc on your workgroup. At the same time, this is a prime leadership opportunity--to model the way by acknowledging difficulty and yet remaining focused and productive. You are normalizing what is exactly normal... and showing how to be both real and responsible. This level of integrity makes the culture more genuine, less artificial. More personal, less clinical. And that's a good thing.

• Return to your definition. If you've done Cornerstone work with us, then you have taken the effort to define the essence of your leadership and core value. By regularly (I suggest weekly) reviewing this truest part of yourself, you get in touch with the power of that authenticity. Which makes it easier to show up in a genuine way even when your energy or motivation may be low.

• Tune in to your team. When we are emotionally low, it's easy to slide into survival mode. Often that looks like focusing all your attention on yourself and checking out on team members. I know it's counter-intuitive, but it actually helps our own emotional condition when we "take a vacation from our own problems" (What About Bob?) and tune in to the wellbeing of those around us.

Somedays you will lead from High, and other days you will lead from Low. It's essential to be comfortable with both.