Be honest
Honesty pays off, including in people management. As an article on the Science Daily website states, employees hate it when their manager withholds information from them or tries superficial, one-size-fits-all, insincere managerial tactics taken from some manual for aspiring managers. So, the first step to engaging subordinates is to treat them like human beings and be as honest as possible with them.
Do not support toxic behaviour and unhealthy work habits
Nothing kills enthusiasm and motivation like the workplace having unhealthy working conditions. As a manager, you should never support toxic behaviour or unhealthy habits and practices in your team, such as workaholism, procrastination, bullying or rule-breaking.
Give subordinates sufficient authority
In order for your subordinates to feel like they are being listened to and actually have a say in what happens in the team, you must first allow them sufficient authority. Let workers make decisions about what they do and about the team. Give them room to breathe and in return they will be more motivated and happier.
Do not neglect training and development
Last but not least, you must not neglect the development of subordinates. Training is not only a popular benefit; in most companies and industries it is also a necessity. Ensure subordinates are receiving quality training and are able to develop in the long term so they do not feel the company is preventing them achieving their own ambitions.
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