Promoting optimism and good work practices in a declining economy

Adherence to core values has to be the starting point. Leaders who hold position and title must be seen by workers as both walking the walk and talking the talk. Leaders (strong, high potential followers/proteges) who do not have position and title can do no less.

Be visionary, think beyond the current situation. Envision and share your vision of and for a better tomorrow. If you, leader, spread gloom and doom, you'll receive that in return for your work force.

Set the expectations and mirror the expected behavior. Hubris comes before the fall.

Seek ideas to improve the climate from your work force. Especially seek out young Gen Y ideas. Gen Y is the future not you.

Look beyond processes. Which is more important, the end result or the process for achieving it? Be prepared to toss processes that don't work anymore. Is it time to revise your business model, evolve into something new?

The patient visits the doctor and says, "Doctor, it hurts when I do this." The doctor replied, "Stop doing that."