And it’s so worth it. Not only does doing this impact your success in your own job and company’s bottom line, it helps you have an impact on other people’s lives. Just think about difference your employees will feel going from working for a company that they don’t really trust to working for a manager who is creating a fun, productive fulfilling environment. Big difference, huh?

So what’s plan of attack? Well, it’s a going to be a lot of hard work, so it wouldn’t be a bad idea for you to start off this adventure with a declaration of commitment. I mean there will be times when you just want to throw in towel and manage your staff like everyone else does. So to ensure that this won’t happen, you must stand firm in your beliefs that your new energized department is worth effort.

Make this commitment to yourself in whatever way is meaningful for you. Some of you need to simply tell yourself that you are committed to doing this. Others may need to write it down or tell a friend. Whatever case is, make a formal commitment and you’ll have a better chance of sticking to program.

Action Step for Success Are you feeling somewhat un-motivated yourself? Work through any issues you may be personally experiencing that are keeping you from committing to this department re-energization plan. Don’t lose sight of fact that you control your own attitude. No-one else. So choose to get committed to plan! You’ll be glad you did!

Now go out there and be a star!!

And while you're out there, spread good vibes. Don't seem to be walking around just looking for problems (although you do want to keep an eye out for those). Be an upbeat, positive role-model for your employees. They need it!!

Stuff #3 Clarify your expectations.

To get this ship running smoothly, you'll need to let your crew know exactly what they need to be doing. Now I'm not talking about micro-managing here. You don't need to hover and hand-hold to make sure that things are getting done to your liking. What I do mean is clarifying expectations in a more general manner.

Pull out those job descriptions and review them. Are they current? Are your employees performing functions that aren't really even necessary? Since you are spending more time in your department now, it should be easy for you to get a handle on who's spending their time doing what. Again, ask for their input. Ask them about how they see their role in department and what they feel their most important responsibilities are.

Action Steps for Success Now that first three steps, or should I say "stuffs" have been outlined, it's time to make them work for you.

In order to let team in on your department re-energization plans, schedule a really fun meeting. Put on your best "rah, rah team" hat and write up an outline of things you are going to discuss and kinds of questions you are going to ask to get people involved. To set tone, have food and drinks available. But try to do something unusual. Pizza and donuts are so overdone, don't you think?

Onto be involved, be visible and be around piece...it's pretty simple in theory, but when it comes to actually making it happen, it will be harder than you think. To get yourself in groove, schedule lots of time on your calendar for this. Make yourself do it. It is really important!!

Last, but certainly not least and certainly not most fun, clarifying your expectations of your team. Pretty straightforward this one, but again kind of a thing you have to force yourself to do. Who wants to review job descriptions, right? Yuck!! But it's got to be done, so just get it over with. You'll be glad when it's over and it's well worth effort!!

Now don't be overwhelmed. Yes, it's a lot of work, but it is sooooooooooo worth it. Your department will start to run more smoothly, productivity will increase, your employees will be happier and YOUR stress level will radically decrease. So whenever you're discouraged about plan, remember outcomes.

Now go out there and be a STAR!!