Put wind in their sails.

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One of the most vital responsibilities of leadership is to motivate and inspire others. We call it “putting wind in their sails” -- enabling your people to move forward faster, with energy and enthusiasm.

You are only as good as the work of your team, so think about how to motivate your people to stretch and reach their full potential while going the extra mile for you and the organization. Empower your people to truly own their jobs. Practice effective delegation, managing to milestones, not details. Stay out of the weeds! Remember the 4:1 ratio of feedback: it takes 4 positive comments to offset a single critical one. ‎And bear in mind that public recognition, a personal note of thanks, or advocacy higher up the chain can be more motivating to an employee than a simple financial reward. Everyone has their hot buttons: things that frustrate them and things that delight them. Make it a point to understand these things in your team members, and it will be easier to keep them motivated.

Today, ask yourself, “what more can I do to put wind in their sails?”

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November 2011: Give praise and give thanks.

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 As a leader, one of the most empowering things you can do is recognize, encourage and thank others.  It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of the daily grind and take for granted the contributions of those around you.  Consider this: a Gallup poll of four million employees concluded that the single biggest reason why employees leave their jobs is because they do not feel appreciated. On the flip side, those who receive regular recognition are more engaged and productive; they serve customers more effectively, have better safety records, and the list goes on. 

A pat on the back often means more than other forms of compensation.  But remember, the act of giving thanks and giving praise must be genuine.  Do it only when you mean it.

During this month of thanks-giving, step back and think about how often you thank and recognize those around you.  It could pay dividends down the road.