So to help start the ball rolling, here are ten top ways to get your peoplemotivated. Ten small steps for you to start with.

Recognise them
Recognise your people as people, by saying 'GoodMorning', checking that they're OK and taking a little time with them.

Challenge them
People need stimulation at work, so to encouragegrowth, build on their achievement of one skill, with the introduction of another.Instruct, coach and then delegate the new task.

Encourage fun
Whilst it is a fine line between having fun andanarchy, it is worthwhile spending the time to understand, define and explorethat boundary. Having fun is a great way to build team spirit. Checkout whereeveryone's 'fun' threshold is, respect it and then have a lot of laughs.

Listen - a LOT!
Listening to your people builds rapport and abond which in itself is powerfully motivational.

Encourage mistakes
By stretching themselves, people sometimes getit wrong - and sometimes make gloriously powerful 'inventions' to move yourbusiness forward. By creating an environment where mistakes are not wrong butencouraged, you will find creativity soars. Even mistakes where things go wrongand cost money should not be wasted. Create value from these by really learningfor the future...as Henry Ford once said "Bring me people who make mistakes" Make it a safe place!

Say Thank You
It is surprising how much reward we all get frombeing recognised. The humble (if rare in some organisations), "Thank You" is asimple, yet very powerful way to recognise the efforts every one of your teamputs in every day. Think of the last time someone said thank you to you and howgreat that made you feel.

Be Understanding
This tip needs careful and skilful managementand great managers can do it. Understand that your people are real people withemotions and experiences which impact on them. Being sympathetic to their needs,occasionally and not so often that it impacts your business, will bring greatrewards and commitment. Do set ground rules for yourself which allow 'understanding',yet enable you to draw the line clearly and firmly when you need to. Beconsistent and fair.

Get Out of Their Way
By allowing your people to carry out 'theboss's work', you strongly build self-belief in your people. Be fair and don'tjust delegate the 'rubbish' jobs, but some of your fun jobs as well (and rememberto choose individuals whose strengths match the task).

Share How You are Feeling
By being a partner with your people and showing that you area real person too, you will encourage others to take big steps with you. Thisworks because understanding that you share hopes, fears and challenges in commonwith your people makes them feel a committed part of you, as well as your business- this is a powerful message which they share

Reward
Last but not least, pay appropriately. Whilst if you paybrilliantly, yet miss out 1-9 you may get short-term gain, it is unlikely tomaintain motivation for more than a while. Conversely, if you pay badly, youmay lose people because they simply can't afford to stay with you, however greatit is. Striking a balance is the ideal. Don't forget to recognise with some funrewards and as in No. 6, say thank you a lot. It will pay dividends and is free!
Martin Haworth is a Business and Management Coach. He works worldwide,mainly by phone, with small business owners, managers and corporate leaders. Hehas hundreds of hints, tips and ideas at his website,http://www.coaching-businesses-to-success.com/motivation.html (Note to editors. This article may be edited for use in your publication ornewsletter as long as a live link to the website is included)

...helping you, to help your people, to help your business grow...