[Sapporo Guy]

Killer advice here.

I run a small shop and barely am there outside of going in when everyone has gone home.

* I just kept repeating, "I trust you", "Try it! If your idea doesn't work, we'll fix the problem later!" and "What do you think?" This took time with my staff that wanted a micromanager because that is how you live life here.
* I do cove my employees mistakes and go to my customers and apologize. I make sure the customer knows that I am the one who is at the top thereby the most responsible. This goes along with the idea of not stealing their work and accomplishments as your own.
* I like to spot check too. I never announce when I'm going to show up at the office. This keeps them on their toes.
* It also helps if the staff has an understanding that: good work = the company survives = they have a salary

project management systems like M$'s system help when you have a larger enviornment. Like I said I have a small shop so that would mean such a system would just tiff off my staff

Good luck with finding the path that best fits your personality and situation!