One of the main reasons people usually give for leaving their job is more often than not their immediate superior or management. Managing people should no longer be simply viewed as just a responsibility, but an extremely important skill that managers should constantly hone and improve to deal with the diverse personalities and cultures in a team or company.

Here are some management insights on how managers can effectively get the most out of their employees and motivate them to put in their best not just for a day - but always.

1. Adopt a people-focused culture

There is a reason why some of the world's top organizations attribute their success to their people. By treating their employees as the most valuable asset of the company, they achieved impressive results and became more competitive across many fronts. A people-focused culture energizes the employees, and inspires them to achieve more than what they think is possible, especially if they know they are part of the company's growth and success.

2.Be a leader, not a manager

In today's world, to remain competitive and stay ahead of the game, organizations require inspiring leaders who can inject enthusiasm into the work environment and make employees excited about their jobs, as opposed to having employees simply executing orders issued by a conservative and rigid management who depress and control. A great business leader moves people to extraordinary performances and is able to communicate his vision to his staff and get them enthusiastically involved.

3. Encourage risk-taking and innovation

When a company becomes too entrenched in rules, regulations, guidelines and policies, it kills creativity and innovation within the workplace. Build a culture that encourages and empowers people to take certain levels of risk. With the knowledge that mistakes are permissible, employees will be more open and proactive in sharing their thoughts, ideas and opinions on how to make things better.

4. Stretch and challenge

Constantly challenge employees by setting and exacting the highest standards, spurring them on to achieve what are seemingly impossible targets. By ensuring that everyone is working to meet these standards, you are engendering enthusiasm among the workforce and generating a competitive spirit within the company. When a company involves and ignites its people to make such stretch targets a reality, they get excited about the work and are eager to achieve the vision by maximizing their own capabilities. In the process, they may even surpass themselves and end up doing much, much better than they originally thought they could achieve.

(Contact yangning@chinadaily.com.cn for questions and career advice) .

Contributed by Arthur Wang, head of Robert Walters Talent Consulting Ltd Suzhou and Nanjing Office.