Empowerment
Successful and ambitious workers often seek an extension of their power. If there is no room for giving them a raise, there is certainly at least a way to expand their power and allow them to work more independently so they see a certain progress in their work.
Praise for specific successes
According to the Harvard Business Review, people still underestimate simple praise from a boss or a representative of management. Such praise must not be just general; it should specifically describe a concrete example of success the given employee has achieved.
Recognition in front of others
Praise and recognition should take place publicly, not just in private between manager and employee. No matter what anybody says, we are all a little bit egoistic, and we are happy if our qualities are recognised publicly. A quality employee should therefore be praised publicly and presented as a role model.
Transparent consultations about further development
Top workers should be regarded rather like opinion leaders and their insights and ideas should be taken into account. Engage the employees whom you value, incorporate them into the decision making processes in your team, listen to their ideas and give them the opportunity to influence the running of the company more.
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