1. Communicate clearly and routinely. Lay out your company goals and principles in a mission statement and keep sharing your vision with your employees.

2. Involve employees in setting objectives. Give them feedback on how they are progressing toward meeting those targets.

3. Give your people authority, then hold them accountable. But don't go after them personally when things go wrong. Find out first if the process is at fault.

4. Be accountable yourself. Install an advisory board or executive team to help you make good strategic decisions and give you feedback on your own performance.

5. Be trustworthy and extend trust to your employees. That will help you earn their loyalty and strengthen your company.

Brought to you by SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business."