 Discuss 10 keys to leading and motivating the people you manage.

 What are you most proud of?  What parts of your work are challenging?  What challenges do you enjoy?  What aspects are most satisfying?  What makes work harder than needed?  Do you feel appreciated?  What work inspires you?  Do you feel you have support?

 Be careful and cautious in hiring.  Don’t drag your feet when faced with a job-fit problem.

 Use goals as a tool to align work with the departments priorities.  When assigning work, take to the time to explain why it’s important.  Help your employees prioritize work and focus on the most important tasks.

 Make sure your employees have the skills and knowledge to do their work effectively.  Plan ahead.  Delegate with appropriate planning and training.

 Don’t meddle in, interfere with, or second guess other people’s work.  When your employees make mistakes, have the courage to take the blame yourself.  Let others make decisions and trust them.

 Look for and reward progress, not just big accomplishments  Say “thank you” and “nice job” often.  Catch people doing something right.  Use surprising, fun, and meaningful rewards.  Be generous in giving credit to others.

 Expectations impact results.  Don’t tolerate negative attitudes or unproductive complaining.

 Listen to everyone.  Make time to talk with your staff about things beyond the task at hand.  Pay attention.  Show that you care.

 Create an environment where differences in opinion can be openly expressed.  Demonstrate respect.  Foster diversity.

 Have fun.  Make decisions and act in a way consistent with your principles.  Set an example of a healthy work-life balance.