We talk a lot about the importance of top talent in Sword Tips. Business Week’s article entitled Keeping Talent in the Fold (the name used in the print version) recounts the challenge of identifying high performers and making sure they don’t bolt during difficult times.

Home Depot’s example of boosting morale and setting realistic goals is intriguing because they LOWERED sales and profit targets to allow employees a realistic shot at achieving their goals. They were challenged to hit demanding numbers but they still had the highest percentage ever of in-store employee bonuses.