Getting out of the red.

• Author: Heffes, Ellen M.
• Position: STRATEGY - Brief article

Though the recession may be receding, many businesses are still unable to offer raises and are concerned about keeping employees. Money isn't the only way to motivate the troops, says Charles Garcia, former White House Fellow and author of Leadership Lessons of the White House Fellows: Learn How to Inspire Others, Achieve Greatness and Find Success in Any Organization.

"The reality is that employees value having strong leaders who motivate them to do their best, just as much if not more. And there's no greater defense against a tough economy than a workforce motivated to do its absolute best."

He offers eight lessons:

1. Energize your people.

2. There's more to life than work.

3. Put your people first.

4. Act with integrity.

5. Be a great communicator.

6. Be a great listener.

7. Be a problem solver.

8. Lead through experience and competence, not through title or position.

In his book, Garcia illustrates the eight lessons learned by White House Fellows working with the...