Most employees work for more than money; they seek and need recognition.  Effective leaders will recognize their employees, but not for doing nothing or for basic achievements.  Recognition must be earned.

As a leader, you need to set the course for recognizing the members of your team who have the best performances.

I recommend weekly recognition of your top performer, in one of your weekly meetings, perhaps with a traveling trophy that passes from winner to winner each week.

Whatever you do, be sure to recognize your employees, and make sure they’ve first earned your recognition.