Follow a three-pronged investment strategy to optimize the only asset your competitors can't copy-your people. Any number of companies can duplicate your processes, technology, products, pricing, and delivery. But when it comes to your people, you are truly unique. And this uniqueness can go a long way in ensuring customer satisfaction. Yet too often we forget that, like technology, products, and other tangible assets, our people need continual reinvestment too. Left unattended, their value may depreciate over time. Continually refreshed, they will sustain and even grow their contributions.

Make sure you invest in your valued employees. This article explains both how and why three key employee investment strategies-clear expectations, feedback, and development-can create a competitive difference for your company.