Employees reflect the culture of their workplace. If you expect high performance from your employees, create a culture that inspires them to work to the best of their abilities. Start with these key principles:

Communication. Effectively communicating how activities and behaviors can affect profits and customer satisfaction helps employees know where they can improve.

Capability. Do employees have the knowledge and skills they need to do their jobs? Training in technical skills may be necessary, but don’t forget “soft” skills, such as communication and teamwork, which are just as important.

Resources. Tools and equipment are important resources, but don’t neglect the less obvious ones, such as workplace environment, culture and atmosphere, and the most vital resource—time.

Motivation. Money can be an important factor, but praise, recognition, and opportunities for development or advancement can be powerful motivators as well.