You must be passionate about the objectives within your team; but also compassionate; realize that just like customers, face-to-face interactions are the most successful in exemplifying your passion/compassion.

Emails and notes tend to minimize your sincerity.  "A leader's people skills and leadership skills play a paramount role in determining whether employees will give freely of their discretionary energy (the difference between simply doing what's expected or performing in an outstanding manner)" – excerpt from "Profit is Not a Dirty Word" by Rick Johnson.  Realize that intimidation doesn't work. 

Give credit where credit is due.  The dynamics from one person to the next are different; and therefore, the technique is different from one person to the next.  One individual may require more accolades whereas another may only require them infrequently.

Remember, character is built around a true concern for people within an organization.  People can see through "fake" care and concern for their welfare as well as "fake" appreciation for their efforts. 

Continuous accolades without any heart behind them loose their luster very quickly.  To truly emphasize your appreciation for one's efforts, you must first identify how this person would internalize your words or actions and then proceed.

Despite the frustrations that you may feel towards any one employee on a given day, deep down you must possess the desire to help them be successful.  You must be committed to coaching them as best you can.  Keep in mind your overall responsibility is to the success of that individual which results in the success of the company.

Rick Johnson, expert speaker, wholesale distribution's "Leadership Strategist", founder of CEO Strategist, LLC a firm that helps clients create and maintain competitive advantage. Need a speaker for your next event, E-mail rick@ceostrategist.com.  Don't forget to check out the Lead Wolf Series that can help you put more profit into your business.

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