How can you keep your people happy and motivated through the dog days of summer? Some of the best owners in the industry have successfully navigated dozens of busy seasons and offer the following tips.

Have you ever been “in the zone”? It’s that state of mind where you’re firing on all cylinders. Ideas and answers are coming to you rapidly — and they’re good ones. Professional athletes have games like this, in which they break records and carry their teams to the top. It would be nice to be able to create this state of mind every day.

As Alexander Pope said in his famous An Essay on Man, “Hope springs eternal in the human breast.” I think of that saying every year at the beginning of baseball season. Everybody has hope for their team on Opening Day. In business, however, an owner or manager doesn’t have the motivation of the playoffs and World Series.

Amidst all the challenges that tugged at your productivity, you overcame and achieved. You deserve a pat on the back, so, here it is. Feels good, doesn’t it? But what about the guys and gals with their boots on the ground. Are they gaining the recognition they deserve?

As we approach the holidays I want to speak to a few of you that have trouble celebrating anything at all in your place of business. Your people need to be able to have a little fun at work especially when that work keeps them away from friends and family.

Want to motivate your team? Start by saying “Thank you.” When was the last time you walked around your business and genuinely thanked the people who work for you?