Showing genuine interest in the practical application of their ideas shows you take the employees' opinions seriously, and it encourages them to keep thinking creatively. In addition, you'll get the benefits of implementing some top-notch ideas. Just as you expect marginal workers to reach an adequate level of performance, you should help good workers set targets for their own ongoing improvement. Then ask them to propose a plan for meeting those goals. It pays to be persistent on this question.
Many workers are hesitant to ask for help, seeing it as a sign of weakness.
Others may simply require some time before they think of something they really need from you. It's also important to keep asking because it's easy for workers to feel neglected if you don't. Persistently emphasizing your availability as a resource can spur workers to think of how you can do them the most good. And it lets them know you care enough about them and their work to invest your own efforts in their success. When good workers figure out how to succeed on their own, they step up to a whole new level of performance.