Step 1: Don't wait.

Find someone doing just over the bare minimum and thank them.

The alternative is to ignore people because they aren't going "above and beyond" enough for our tastes. To send the message that you only notice herculean efforts. To dole out discouragement instead of encouragement. To act in a way that says "You should have just done nothing."

It's better to seek out those who give more than necessary, even if only by a millimeter. Because genuine recognition lets people know someone's watching.

More than that, someone cares.

That's how some high performers grow. Slowly, and with care.