How do you create an organization that inspires people to do their flat-out best?  Today, I'll give you a few quick tips.

For over 40 years, I've been in the business of helping people and organizations use more of their potential.  Based on my experience, and on the latest research in cognitive and organizational psychology, here, in a nutshell, is how to create an organization that inspires people to do their best.

First, you need an inspiring goal, a common vision of a clearly-defined end result, shared by everyone, talked about often and affirmed daily.  Then, you need people who believe in their own ability to attain that end result, to stretch and get creative when it comes to figuring out how they are going to do it.  

You need people who know that if they are going to succeed, they have to depend on each other, and trust each other, to deliver the goods. Now, you don't have to go out and hire these folks. You can do it with people who are already on the job, if you are willing to spend some time teaching them - and yourself, if you are a manager - how to be successful.  

Next, develop a good system for tracking performance and giving feedback. A good rule to remember is "what gets measured, gets done." Finally, reward desired performance, including innovation and risk-taking, in meaningful ways to empower people to act and to deal with problems directly at every level. You will be delighted with the results!