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Every summer, companies brace themselves for the summer slowdown, when both employees and clients are on vacation and it takes twice as long as usual to make a deal. So it’s the responsibility of 100 percent of managers to get workers back on a productivity track after the summer vacation season ends on Labor Day. Los Angeles management consultant Barbara Lewis says one way to encourage employees to break free from the summer slump is to educate everyone, in every position, about company sales goals, and beyond that, how their jobs affect the company’s revenue — and then offer financial rewards to everyone, salespeople and nonsales alike. Specifically, pay a set percentage of each worker’s salary in cash when goals are met — and don’t be afraid to set aggressive goals, Lewis adds. “It’s amazing how employees rise to the occasion when they see that money dangling out there.”