Don't Expect Any Thank-Yous

Just because your employees have a job during hard times doesn't mean they'll thank you for it. Even in a recession, you have to earn their thank-yous, their engagement, and their productivity.

If you aren't giving them a reason to want to work for your organization, your employees are likely to exert just the minimum effort, and they'll only stay until they find something else. I see this every day: secretive cellphone conversations in conference rooms with recruiters, searching online job sites, updating resumes.

Remember, this recession is unlike any before it. The Internet affords today’s workforce the ability to research, network and build relationships in ways never before available - and they can do it FOR FREE.

So, while the economy is in a tailspin, employees have no economic barrier to preparing for their next job - anytime they like. Whether that job is with their current company or another will be determined by how well leaders like you engage, dialogue and collaborate.

How will you engage, dialogue and collaborate? These demonstrations of respect and trust will engender loyalty that helps you retain your most valued and talented people.