ONWARD AND UPWARD

Building morale, pride, and spirit is a challenging process. Leaders have to start with a solid foundation—a clear vision, mission, and goals, and clear operating rules, standards, and values. Group members need to have shared experiences, and good communication practices must be encouraged. Social needs—the desire to be validated by others and to be part of something greater than oneself—must be met. Emotional connections, a greater sense of identification with the team, and a feeling of community need to be developed. When these factors are in place, morale, pride, and spirit become enhanced, and there is a positive response of cooperation and loyalty from team members toward the leader, the team, and the organization. Productivity and efficiency are improved, with positive economic and relational outcomes at every level of the organization. In all this the leader is the key to success.