Susan Scott recently wrote in her Fierce Conversations blog, "Human connectivity, as opposed to strategy and tactics, is the next frontier for exponential growth and the only sustainable competitive edge."

One of the many consequences/downfalls of the current economic situation is an influx of tension in the workplace. More and more people are feeling the pressure that cost-cutting and downsizing is putting on jobs. Employees are feeling more uncertain of job stability, which leads to anxiety and strain on relationships with coworkers.

Rather than isolating employees and fueling gossip, leaders and managers should seek to capitalize on tense situations and build/strengthen relationships through open, honest, and frequent communications. Empower your employees to tackle projects as a team. Doing so will strengthen employee relationships, promote collaboration, and diminish competitive strife. Of course, some competition is healthy to a strong, forward-thinking company so don't do away with competition altogether.

Recognizing the good is just as important as effectively dealing with the bad. Whereas you're company may not be able to offer across-the-board bonuses or other financial rewards, employees still crave positive reinforcement and the knowledge that their efforts do not go unnoticed. Make note of successes when they happen and celebrate often. Hold a "Celebrating Success" lunch hour dedicated to appreciating individual and team efforts that have had a positive impact on the business.

When thinking about the power of positivity, I'm reminded of something a friend of mine once told me. He said, "Always be positive because 90 percent of the people (including coworkers) you meet and interact with don’t care about your problems, and 10 percent are glad you have them."