“Morale is faith in the person at the top” (Familiar Saying).
IN MOST OF THE GROUPS THAT WE’RE MEMBERS OF, GREAT THINGS DEPEND ON THE MORALE OF THE GROUP. If those who make up a group are collectively discouraged, depressed, negligent, and unwilling to work, it’s not likely that good things are going to result. But if they’re confident, cheerful, disciplined, and eager to contribute, there aren’t many goals the group can’t accomplish. And the more important the goal, the more morale is a crucial factor.
Morale does not come from the mere assertion of a leader’s authority. Leaders need to understand that morale among the “troops” depends, to a large extent, on whether the troops believe the leaders know what they’re doing. Great morale is inspired by those who have the confidence of their peers to help them reach their goals.
But if “morale is faith in the person at the top,” many people would say, “Well then, morale is not my responsibility; I’m not the person at the top.” If we think that way, we’re probably taking a limited view of our lives. We’re probably thinking of only one or two of our relationships, such as work or school. But in the larger reality, all of us are members of many different relationships, and each of us has the responsibility for leadership in at least a few of them.
Think of a relationship, however small, in which others look to you for leadership. How is the morale? Are those who comprise the relationship encouraged or discouraged about the group’s mission? Could you make a difference by leading differently?
Sometimes, we may unknowingly share our fears with others rather than our courage. However, most people already have enough fears to cope with on their own; what they need is hope — along with the motivation to actively pursue it. So Robert Louis Stevenson’s advice was wise: “Keep your fears to yourself, but share your courage.”
We need to care about positive morale enough to promote it and protect it. Doing that doesn’t always require big steps; sometimes small steps in the right direction are extremely helpful. The people who follow us just need to know that we’re making progress.
“When enthusiasm is inspired by reason; controlled by caution; sound in theory; practical in application; reflects confidence; spreads good cheer; raises morale; inspires associates; arouses loyalty, and laughs at adversity, it is beyond price” (Coleman Cox).
Gary Henry – WordPoints.com + AreYouaChristian.com
