Lean and Clean

Employers often take good workers for granted while their concerns are tied up with combative and contrary people. Companies can usually get away with ignoring them, but that's wrong. Letting people who don't care about your company stop you from expressing your gratitude and rewarding those who do is one of the most common pitfalls less-than-great companies fall into.

A little acknowledgment goes a long way with good workers. Keep reminders in your day planner of times to show appreciation to these loyal, trouble-free people. Finally, cut them slack when they make mistakes -- because they will own up to them. Seek and accept ways to correct them and learn from them. Give your great people every opportunity to grow and flourish. Don't stymie and frustrate them with verbal green lights usually followed by a red light and your explanation: "We changed our mind." Nurture them with respect, responsibility and authority -- and eventually a piece of the business. They are the future of your company and your most valuable resource.

Second Most Important Key to Success

I recently spoke to these CEOs and asked them to identify the second most important key to their success. This time I wasn't surprised by the answers. They said, next to recognizing and cutting the difficult and impossible people early on, the most important key is recognizing and valuing good and great people so you can keep them in your life longer.