A recent Inc.com article, “10 Things Employees Really Hear From You,” lists statements and questions that will raise the morale of workers. These phrases, originally penned by former CEO Todd Patkin for his motivational book, aren’t always as straightforward as “good job” or “keep it up” – sometimes it takes something a little more subtle to really get through to people. Take a look:

1. “I need your help.” They’ll appreciate being treated as a partner.
2. “What do you need from me?” An employee’s hesitance to ask the boss for something could be hindering productivity. So, open up the dialogue yourself.
3. “I noticed what you did.” Recognize the little things that workers do right on a daily basis, not just the big accomplishments.
4. “Thank you.” As simple as it sounds, don’t overlook the impact of positive reinforcement.
5. “Hey everyone – listen to what Joe accomplished.” Compliments are even better when they’re shared with the team.
6. “What would you like to do here?” You can’t always accommodate employees, but doing your best at evolving their roles as their abilities and needs change will keep them from losing interest.
7. “I have bad news.” Of course, you never want to use this one, but if employees have to hear bad news second-hand, it’s going to be way worse than if you just explained the situation up-front.
8. “What do you think?” Employees whose opinions are sought and considered will be far more invested in the company.
9. “That’s OK. We all make mistakes.” Harsh criticism only harms self-confidence and relationships. Instead, focus on how you can avoid similar errors in the future.
10. “I know you can do it.” A little boost of confidence never hurts!

Click here for the article from Inc.com.