Get serious about feedback and positive reinforcement.
One of the many lessons I have learned about encouraging performance is this: if you are serious about getting better results, you must deliver feedback on performance quickly, honestly, and consistently. Nobody likes to live in the gray area. People will not grow when they live in gray. As a leader, our job is to observe, analyze, and deliver fast feedback. Spending time with the troops in the trenches and observing and listening to them will prepare you for your feedback delivery. Always be prepared and ready to give positive reinforcement. Give it quickly -- that way it maintains its punch. Don't worry about giving too much positive reinforcement. I've never heard someone tell their leader, "Hey Boss, you reinforce me too [...]