Show vision, opportunity and potential. No one wants to work in a business that has no future. Make certain each employee knows what's in it for him. Give real responsibility and require real accountability. Knowing they are trusted creates pride in caring employees.
Minimal employees are defensive and shun responsibility.
Allow employees to make decisions especially small ones. Try to get employees to push their limit when making decisions. Rather than telling an answer help the employee come up with his or her own decision. Be careful not to ask them to make decisions they are not capable of making. Give employees a challenge.