As the manager, you must realize that even though most employees possess great abilities, they may not work up to them. Here are some quick tips to increase work output:

• Most people enjoy hearing they perform a task well. So expressing confidence in your employee's ability to measure up to his or her job can sometimes go a long way.
• Find the reasons for which an employee is not doing his or her job well and ask what is preventing him or her from mastering the job. Make them aware that their job is essential and that good performance could lead to more challenging job opportunities.
• Check to see whether working conditions are adequate for various job assignments, and when improvements are needed-make them quickly.
• For staff members who do not work well under pressure, review their job fundamentals to build up their self-confidence. Stress the importance of taking the time to do the job accurately and in proper sequence.

- Shelley Cohen, RN, BSN, CEN