I did have one question. You wrote, “..losing highly experienced workers is far more costly than establishing a motivating work atmosphere. Don’t let your workforce assets slip into your hands.” Did you mean slip FROM your hands?

On a separate note, you mention being on the lookout for resources that help motivate and focus a workforce, particularly in handling change and reform. I really like the Appreciative Inquiry method that Alan Daly at UCSD writes about. It has been crucial for schools under NCLB to recognize the external threats (sanctions) faced by lagging test scores, but then begin the delicate task of empowering the current staff to find their strengths and build on them when undertaking reforms. It transfers well to business situations dealing with organizational change.