We all want employees with a can-do attitude. Positive thinking is the first step to effective action and ultimate success. An encouraging environment where workers feel motivated, valued, and rewarded can make the difference between average, lacklustre performance and energetic workers who go the extra mile.

Managers and team leaders can help to foster positive thinking in the workplace. Here are a few ways to encourage your team to do their best:

Address concerns promptly. When someone has a question, let them know they can count on you to respond in a timely manner. There’s nothing worse than having a problem and not knowing what to do about it. If your people know they can turn to you for answers, they’ll be encouraged to perform in a productive and positive way. 
Maintain your equipment and other resources. It sounds elementary, but frequent equipment failures can slow down work and frustrate employees. Have a game plan to quickly get systems and machines up and running in the event of breakdown. Let employees know how long the fix will take so they can plan their work accordingly. A positive attitude comes from knowing that a company has emergencies covered. 
Use incentives. Rewards can be small or large, but the chance to get something extra for a stand-out performance is very motivating. Some companies offer vacations and bonuses for top producers. Having something besides a regular paycheck to shoot for makes work more fun. The more fun your team is having, the more positive they’ll feel about their work. 
Provide resources. Many employees want to be better at their jobs but lack effective training materials. Seminars, conferences, leadership training and motivational speakers are a great way to excite your team. Investing in employee education tells workers you believe in their ability and fosters a positive spirit. 

Workers who have faith in themselves and the value of their work tend to be more confident, resourceful, and productive. If you believe in your team and express it, your team will be more likely follow in your line of positive thinking.