Catch your staff in the act
In graduate school I learned the technique "catch them doing good," and it's one of the best best-practices. Give it a shot. Maybe even right now.
Think of something your partner or employee did well over the last week and give them a pat on the back. Don't combine it with a request, just say "great job" and continue strolling down the hall.
Positive feedback in a neutral context has a huge motivating effect.
Nice post. Good job. Well done. Caio.
Posted by: Tod | April 20, 2006 at 09:09 PM