How do you keep a team motivated in absence of leadership?

I believe the leaders don't need to be physically available to keep their teams motivated. The leaders will ensure that the teams are aware of the objectives (why?) and when these objectives need to be achieved? The team motivation is primarily stems from the team itself. Team members are motivated when their work is challenging, meaningful and they can see how it contributes to the overall goal of the organsiation.

However, without proper direction (leadership), the team's motivation is likely to diminish overtime.  

Maintaining team motivation in the absence of formal leadership can be challenging, but it's possible. Here are some strategies:

1. **Shared Goals and Purpose:** Clarify the team's goals and purpose. Make sure everyone understands what they are working towards and why it matters.

2. **Empowerment:** Encourage team members to take ownership of their tasks and decisions. Give them autonomy and responsibility.

3. **Regular Communication:** Foster open and transparent communication within the team. Ensure that everyone has a voice and is heard.

4. **Recognition and Feedback:** Recognize and celebrate individual and team achievements. Provide constructive feedback to help team members grow.

5. **Collaboration:** Encourage teamwork and collaboration. When team members work together, it can boost morale and motivation.

6. **Skill Development:** Offer opportunities for skill development and learning. When team members feel they are growing, they are often more motivated.

7. **Flexibility:** Be understanding of personal circumstances and offer flexibility when possible. A work-life balance is crucial for motivation.

8. **Lead by Example:** Even without formal leadership, you can lead by example. Demonstrate a strong work ethic and a positive attitude.

9. **Set Milestones:** Break down larger goals into smaller, achievable milestones. Progress toward these milestones can provide motivation.

10. **Intrinsic Motivation:** Help team members connect their work to their own values and passions. Intrinsic motivation can be very powerful.

11. **Peer Support:** Encourage team members to support and motivate each other. Peer relationships can be a significant source of motivation.

12. **External Resources:** When possible, provide access to resources, training, or tools that can aid in their work.

Remember that motivation can fluctuate, and it's essential to adapt your approach based on the team's needs and the specific situation. Additionally, consider seeking an informal team leader or rotating leadership responsibilities among team members to provide some guidance and structure.

Leadership should be pointing out the path to the possible.  

If the leadership isn't leading, then what are we following?   The definition of a leader includes that there are followers.  No followers, then no leader, just a figurehead.  

Take care of your own team, point out what they are doing to help the company and customers, so they can take pride in their work, and dust off your resume.

It reminds me of the famous YouTube video called "First Follower: Leadership Lessons from Dancing Guy."

Motivation and leadership are related. A leader has an impact on the team they lead by consistently communicating culture, fostering a positive employee experience, encouraging a harmonious work environment, and inspiring staff to do great work, which leads to increased employee engagement, better performance, higher retention, and improved staff well-being. It's true that you can inspire the team even if you don't have a leadership position. It demonstrates your leadership qualities because without these, inspiring a team can be a difficult problem to solve.

If the topic is not about hierarchical leadership then empowering individuals with more responsibilities and giving them freedom to exhibit themselves will help to implement their ideas and thought process.