Just imagine trying to motivate a worker without using the prospect of job loss! It’s pointless and it’s a poor practice. But, Dawson, what if my employees are already happy and have a sense of job security? Can I correct this?

YES. But you must start today. Bold, hasty action is what makes an organization great. Do not discuss it with other managers. Do not schedule any meetings. Do not do an Internet search on instilling fear into employees. Follow these instructions: Walk out of your office right now and fire the first woman you see. Announce the total lack of rationale to everyone around and tell her to be out of the building in five minutes. Random firings work, people. (KEY ADVICE: Never fire a man when implementing this practice. This is your perfect chance to eliminate weak spots in your organization. If you can’t find a woman immediately, look for someone old and give him directions to the front door and a nearby nursing home. I hear they are always looking for afternoon nap specialists there!)

Now, be warned, you can’t take your organization to where you want it to be just by this practice alone. You can never turn your business around in one day just by reading one article. The good news is that you can turn it around in one day by reading my entire book, The Business of Getting Down to Business: An executive’s guide for improving all areas of an organization.