Soon after I founded my company in 1989, I realized that without proper motivation people will do as little as possible to get by until payday. I had to find ways to motivate my employees to provide an optimal experience for every customer, every day. I learned that proper management and accountability ensures that the experience my company provides is desirable, leading to repeat customers.

With the guidance of a good leader people often perform beyond even their own expectations. Continually motivating your employees is essential to having them perform at their best every day. Of course, if you hire qualified employees with proven track records your management hurdles will be lessened. Still, verbal and written communication are vital to effective leadership; therefore, your company policies must be clearly stated and strictly enforced.

You must motivate employees to take responsibility for their own actions. Each employee should have the understanding that the success of the company (and the paycheck they are expecting) depends upon all employees consistently performing to the best of their ability and working as a team. How do you accomplish this?

Build Respect

Integrity is possibly the most important trait you should possess. Employees must be treated equally and fairly, as should every customer and vendor. You must remain professional at all times, using diplomacy and tact to discipline undesirable behavior. In addition, you must always lead by example.

Here are some tips for building respect: