Great questions throughout Mike.  For me the best posts are often those that leave me with more important questions to consider than answers provided.  This one hits that mark for me!

Do you think the  current economic situation has made the tendency to make it even less likely for leaders to consider the question "what do we make our employees give?"  Are employees more likely to compromise how they want to be treated because they are in fear of losing their jobs?

I think companies can get away with a lot in the short term because of the pervasive fear.  Although I believe the ones that will thrive as things turn, and perhaps even the ones who will take the lead in turning things around will be the ones that consider the needs and dreams of their people.

Thanks for a though provoking post.  Love your taste in movies!  And the book looks worthwhile, too.