Make it your objective to catch someone doing something right every day. If you expect the best, that's what you'll get. One of the quickest ways to provide recognition is to ask their opinion on something. Ask someone in your office how he thinks something should be accomplished, then follow it up by incorporating their ideas. If you don't agree with the idea, ask him to help you understand it from his perspective.
Delegation is another way to empower an employee.
Make sure you not only give responsibility for the task, but provide the proper level of authority, too. Delegating is an opportunity to help your employees grow.