5 Ways to Unlock Others' Energy

Frances Hesselbein, the former CEO of the U.S. Girl Scouts, once said, "The leader's job is not to provide energy, but to release it from others." Check out these ideas on what it takes to get your employees to give their best from Gwyn Teatro, whose "You're Not the Boss of Me" blog dissects leadership and how to get the most out of others (gwynteatro.wordpress.com):

#1 - Give them something they can relate to and believe in.

#2 - Work with them. Don't do the work for them, but let them know when they are on the right track, or what adjustments to make when they aren't. Let them know that you're interested in what they're doing.

#3 - Don't hover. People get stoked when they know you trust them to do their part.

#4 - Value their contribution. Nothing is more energizing than being acknowledged for doing a good job.

#5 - Help make work life fun. Laughter breaks the tension and keeps people healthy.