Pep talks can have their place, but often they wear off by the second half of the game. Some suggestions which might have more permanent influence are based on the principle that rarely can you make people do things, but you can create circumstances under which they want to, and even get satisfaction out of the fact that they did. Ask others for advice. Many employers, teachers, or parents mistakenly consider it demeaning to ask someone under them for advice. However, not only do some amazingly helpful ideas come out of doing this, but it also imparts a good feeling, and it gives that person a sense of truly being part of the organization with opinions that are valued.
Suggestion boxes are good, but there is nothing like a personal approach.
Tom Murphy asked Jess Fortenberry, who worked out in the production yard, for ideas. Jess wasn't much of a talker, but sometimes he made a suggestion worth considering. More often, though, he would come up with something very obvious, maybe something Tom had in mind implementing himself. We'll do it that way from now on. No wonder Jess was such a loyal employee.