Loving the job you hate

4. Delegate. Never allow process to trump the result. Remember that you can't do everything all the time. Pass off some of the grunt work to a hungry young staffer who needs to learn the basics and a fundamental lesson in life: You don't start at the top, and you earn plumb assignments by working hard in the trenches. If you create a clear path of advancement, the smart employee won't kick when asked to handle routine stuff.

5. Seek Feedback. Ask your boss and co-workers, "How am I doing?" Make it clear that you seek feedback to improve your performance — not because you crave praise. Show others how feedback can increase their productivity and boost their career choices.

6. Tackle Tough Assignments First. Get the difficult or unpleasant work out of the way first, because it doesn't improve with age and will look truly hideous after lunch. This also allows you to finish the day with something you find challenging and enjoy.

7. Have A Little Fun. Work isn't play, but it doesn't have to be mind-numbingly serious all the time. A few quips will boost everyone's morale. If you're not the office wag, encourage the lighthearted goofball in the corner to share his take on why the Yankees are baseball's best team. It beats grinding your teeth for eight hours a day and is likely to boost morale and productivity.

8. Encourage Teamwork. Doing more with less demands increased productivity. Teamwork is a good way to achieve this goal. Working in teams is a learned skill. If you don't know the basics, learn them and share your insights with others.

9. Body and Soul. Pay attention to your physical and mental health. Stick to the basics: Eat right, exercise and get enough sleep. If you feel crummy, your job performance will suffer. You don't have to be a corporate guru to figure that out.

10. Get a Life. People who have interests outside work make better employees, friends, parents and spouses. Take the time to do whatever it is that you're passionate about. No one on his deathbed ever said, "I wish I'd spent more time at the office."

These basic steps will work at mom-and-pop businesses and across all industries, including semiconductor companies such as Intel, banks such as Wells Fargo, food processors such as Tyson Foods, software companies such as Microsoft or cutting-edge researchers such as Genentech — you name it. (MSNBC is a Microsoft-NBC joint venture.)

"Don't let your job become just a paycheck," Boucher says. "At its best, your job can be an expression of creativity."

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