Treat people with respect

People work for many reasons, money being just one of them. Studies repeatedly show that money is not the main motivator for most employees. Many things are suggested as being what people want most, including flexible working hours, vacations, opportunity for advancement, training and education and more. But the one thing that virtually EVERY study shows is that, overwhelmingly, people want RESPECT.

You can show respect for your employees in many ways: compliment them on doing a good job; praise them in public, criticize their work or behaviour in private, speak to them in a pleasant tone of voice; be considerate, even when you must deliver not-so-good news.

One of the best compliments you can receive as a manager is that you are fair. Those who strive to be liked can sometimes alienate the very people whose good opinion they seek. When you strive for fairness, however, you will have the respect of your employees and colleagues alike.