As we discussed last time, your attitude and motivation level is absolutely critical to success of your department re-energization plan. This plan just cannot work if you are anything less that 100% committed and motivated to make it happen. It's up to you to model your work ethic and attitude to your staff.

Now I'm not saying all of this to put undue pressure on you. I doubt you need any more of that. I'm just trying to over-emphasize it so that you will never lose sight of importance you play in all of this. On those days that you find yourself discouraged or un-motivated, remind yourself that YOU are key to your department's success!!!

Okay, enough of that, let's get onto fun stuff. Uh, let me re-phrase that...Let's get onto stuff. Or should I re-phrase it yet again, perhaps a bit more formally this time...Let us proceed with discussion of employee motivation techniques which, when implemented consistently over a period of time, will significantly enhance attitude, motivation levels and therefore productivity of one's staff.

Nah, I like let's get onto stuff better. But what is this stuff? Well, there are six parts to this stuff. So today we'll focus on parts 1 -3, and next issue we'll wrap it up.

Stuff #1: Let them know your plans.

As you may have heard me say before, communication is KEY. Especially when you are dealing with a situation like our current one. In our situation we are presuming that employees are de-moralized and de-motivated because Senior Management has been less than truthful or communicative. It's up to you to assure your staff that you DO believe in telling them truth and that you plan to keep them in loop as much as you can.

So tell them you are sorry that things have been especially tough and tell them that you are committed to turning things around so that your department can be a functional AND fun place to work.

Announce that you are launching a plan to make your department BEST and ask for their input. Ask them for ideas as to how you can work together to accomplish your goal of creating "super-department."

Make sure to impress upon them that you are totally committed to effort and that it is NOT just some B.S. cheerleading meeting.

Stuff #2 Be involved, be visible and be around.

Now more than ever before it's really beneficial for you to be in your department. This shows your staff that you are involved in daily departmental issues - you're not just a figure-head sitting in your office reading WSJ.

Knowing how to locate opportunities in emerging or growth sectors will help you find and secure rewarding positions - often before they are posted. The amount of preparation you do before sending your resume to potential employers will also impact number of interviews secure. You will be surprised at how quickly you can get job you really want.

Understand opportunities that exist in your current industry, but also recognize limitations. Don't chance missing key opportunities by limiting your job search to your existing industry. Advance your career by paying attention to trends and events - even outside your specialty.