Dear Nancy:  Morale in my office (reporters, staff) is low and seems to be getting lower.  Is it the economy, the state of the profession, or is it me?  What can I do about the creeping malaise?  Signed, Dee Pressed

Dear Dee Pressed:

The economy is getting your reporters and staff down?  No kidding!  Our investments, 401(k)s, homes, and even the value of that old Barbie Dollhouse (Ken not included) we've kept in the attic for 20 years have tumbled since late 2007. 

Regarding the profession, it is what it is.  In some parts of the country, business is amazing, and in other parts it is slow.  Keep in mind that business ebbs and flows, but don't let the roller coaster get you down.  Your staff looks to you for cues.  Should I be worried?  Panicked?  An upbeat, glass-is-half-full outlook can help keep morale up and your staff motivated.  In the Great Depression of the '30s, FDR's jaunty optimism calmed an anxious country and gave folks everywhere the confidence to face the future with hope.

Are you getting out?  Are you networking with business groups?  These are the times when we all need fresh ideas.  It's during bad times when real leadership is needed.  Anyone can lead in good times; but when the going gets tough, the tough go shopping...um, I mean the tough keep smiling.

You're the leader and you set the tone.  Be confident.  Humor is good; gloom-and-doom is not.  It's hard to resist the positive outlook of a confident, can-do leader.  Counter the creeping malaise by pointing out what's going right for you and your business.  People respond well to confident leadership.

Click here if you'd like to add your comments.