Captain William Bligh of the H.M.S. Bounty is a historic figure because of his astonishing skills at motivating people. His draconian methods helped motivate the crew of the Bounty to sail half way across the world; unfortunately he couldn’t get them to return the ship. Interestingly enough, two later crews serving under the infamous Captain Bligh reacted similarly to his motivational tactics.

Suffice to say, motivating people is an acquired skill, which partially explains why the employee turnover rate of employees in the hospitality industry runs at about 300%. So how can managers better motivate employees and create a more positive working environment?

Here’s our short list on that very subject.

1. Acknowledgement — It’s only human nature to want to be appreciated. According to the One Minute Manager, you should catch employees doing things right and acknowledge the behavior. They will naturally want to continue doing whatever it is that draws praise.

2. Solicit Input — Employees want to know that their ideas matter, especially if they know something that you don’t. Take time to solicit employees opinions and give their thoughts due consideration.

3. Empathy — Dealing day in and day out with the public can take its toll. It’s a hard business and affording your staff genuine understanding will go a long way to creating a positive working environment.

4. Stability — People need to feel like they belong, especially where work is concerned. Look to give employees a sense that their jobs are secure and you’ll witness your staff solidify into a team.

5. Good Pay — If an employee is making a decent living, why would he or she want to do something to jeopardize that? Ensuring your staff is walking with good money is an excellent motivator.

6. Prevent Stagnancy — Keeping your people professionally challenged is an effective way to stave off job burnout. Allow employees to evolve within their job by giving them more responsibility.

7. Career Advancement — Growth potential within the company gives employees a better sense that they’re on the right job track. Look to create promotion opportunities for your people to advance their careers inside your business.

8. Loyalty — Loyalty towards your employees is essential to instilling mutual trust and creating a cohesive, professional staff. The essential first step is to relate to your people on a human level, as individuals, not merely as names on a work schedule.

9. Positive Work Environment — Is your business a good place in which to work? Are the managers supportive? Do they look to work with the employees, or do the employees work for the managers?

10. Equitable Treatment — People want to be treated fairly. Everything from discipline to scheduling should be handled equitably. Nearly every decision management makes will effect their employees’ ability to earn a decent livelihood.