Leading in 2010-From ASTD

To effectively motivate and lead people as the market recovers over the new year, leaders should focus their efforts on four critical qualities. First is transparency.

Employees are extremely skittish due to growing unemployment, so it is important that leaders be open with employees. A good strategy is to hold town hall-style meetings where employees are encouraged to ask any question, and leaders answer honestly and openly.

Second, it is important to make employees feel appreciated. Let your best employees know just how much they are valued, which will keep them motivated during difficult times. Third, show respect for your employees, their jobs, and their skills.

The days of one-size-fits all jobs and inflexible hours are over. Modern workers want to be treated as individuals, and will stay longer in a job that is designed for his or her unique needs and skills. Fourth, be as honest as possible. As the economy recovers, employees need to know that rewards will return. Having an honest conversation during difficult times will make leaders more credible as conditions improve, provided organizations promise to deliver on their promises of rewards for loyalty and hard work during difficult times.

Read the entire article at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/08/AR2010010803780.html