Here are some ideas which you may find useful when considering the question of staff motivation.

New managers, in particular, often feel constrained to do things the way they have always been done. In fact, your management training course should have given you the confidence to look at everything with a fresh eye and work out the most effective way to proceed.

It is vital that, as a manager, you show true leadership. Good leadership is a difficult thing to define. Generally, you will know it when you see it. Some people find it helpful to think of themselves as the captain of a ship. You decide where you’re going, how you’re going to get there and then let the crew get on with it.

Effective delegation is a good way to help employees feel they are genuinely valued. Good delegation means that you do not only pass jobs on to individuals but you also give them the power to complete those jobs effectively.

The training of key staff is a good idea. People feel valued and return from the courses you send them on refreshed, full of new ideas, and raring to go.

Always remember to practice what you preach. Be an exemplar to your staff.