Morale

By Dick O'Brien M.A.S.c

My normal line of work is to conduct inspirational presentations to large groups of employees across Canada.

It is not uncommon that just before I am about to begin a presentation someone feels obliged to come up and tell me that this particular group of people are very unhappy. They often say, "You have a real challenge ahead of you this morning." "I sure hope you are good." "The last presenter did very poorly." "Nobody really wants to be here." Finally, they tell me, "You wouldn't believe the morale around here."

I feel like yelling out, "Yes I would!" First of all, this particular person doesn't make me feel too chipper about being here, and second, I do this for a living. It is almost as if these people feel that they are the only ones having this problem.

Do they really think that there are places I visit where everyone is extremely happy all the time?

I have found that if you get more than two people in a room at any one time, you are bound to have a morale problem. Some days I have a morale problem just with myself. Every organization, no matter how big or small, struggles with morale. Whether or not it becomes a problem for you is always your personal choice.

Morale is no longer the collective emotions of the organization. The only morale that counts is the one you choose to bring to work with you each and every day, and the attitude you choose to bring home with you each and every night. Morale is more personal and less organizational.

Though it is reasonable and responsible for organizations to do everything within their power to create the most positive and encouraging work environment possible, human frailty will always allow people to fall short of this goal. This is where personal morale counts the most. It is the approach you take to work, family and life, regardless of the circumstances.

The following are six Key Principles of personal morale:

Key Principle #1

When you bring out the best in you, you bring out the best in others.

Key Principle #2

When it comes to your future, good intentions are never good enough.

Key Principle #3

When you are taking good care of you, you are taking good care of business.

Key Principal #4

It is easy to be encouraging when things are going well.

Key Principle #5

You be the change you want to see in your organization.

Key Principle #6

The only morale that counts is the one you bring with you each and every day.

Morale is an issue in every organization.
Whether or not it becomes a problem for you is always your choice!
Ultimately--who is responsible for your morale?
YOU!
Always has been and always will be!