I have a couple of executive coaching clients who share a great Monday morning habit -- one that really sets the tone for a positive week. It's a great way to kickstart the week and inspire your team members. It involves four simple steps:

1.Write down the names of all of your direct reports on a blank piece of paper -- no particular order, just a simple list with a few blank lines between each name.

2.For each person on the list, write down ONE THING that sticks out in your mind as something valuable, helpful, productive, or otherwise useful they did LAST WEEK....
- Maybe it was an excellent client service experience you became aware of
- Or a big deadline that was met
- Or a well-done presentation
- Or a successful meeting outcome
- Or an extra effort that was expended to get something important done

3.Describe WHY it was valuable, helpful or productive -- this reason supports the impact of the final step....

4.Finally, before LUNCH today, make it a point to drop by the office of each of your direct reports and THANK THEM for the action you wrote down. Share the details of what you wrote down -- letting them know the WHY.

Keep your "drop by's" brief and focused on the positive feedback. Smile .... let them know you really appreciate them. Just a few minutes each is all it takes.

The Outcome? .... You'll feel great, they'll feel great, and they'll pass on the positive energy ... in some way ... to others in their circle.

What are you waiting for?