Who's Your Chief Morale Officer? Look in the Mirror!

Article Written By: ExpressionsOfExcellence

Much is asked of leaders during trying times. They must remain focused, calm and optimistic. They need a steady hand, nerves of steel, vision that can see far beyond the horizon and navigate it diligently. Among the hats leaders at many levels wear, one is that of chief morale officer. Morale is much more complex than platitudes and tag lines, slogans and speeches. A Chief Morale Officer has many responsibilities.

Take Their Temperature!

What is the pulse of your group? How is morale? Are people depressed? Lethargic? Confused? Leaders need to know the sentiments of their team on a daily basis. And it can't be determined from the safety of your office. You need to be on the ground, in the trenches, talking to employees and managers on a regular or, in some cases, daily basis. You've heard of management by wandering? Your goal: morale-building by wandering.

Steady at the Helm

As you assess the mood of the team, understand the psychology of your employees, and appreciate the tenor of the times. Layoffs, foreclosures, evaporating 401K plans. Employees are insecure, uncertain and entertaining doubts about their future, their family's, as well as their organization's. Knowing this, you can quell their fears, instill confidence in them and provide stability through your words and actions.

Exhibiting a steady hand, a calm demeanor and quiet confidence will similarly allay the fears of your employees, who look to you for cues. Be a voice of reason. You're their lighthouse in the storm. May your light shine unwaveringly.

Communication Quells, Calms and Connects

Uncertainty in the workplace doesn't just affect morale. It slows productivity and often feeds on itself. Rumors spread, worst fears are entertained. "Not" knowing the status of a team or group, project or initiative, is unhealthy. As a leader you need to keep employees apprised of situations.

You need to be available and accessible to answer questions, allay fears and focus (or re-focus) the team. Regular communication, whether through meetings or social gatherings, maintains and also builds morale. Be a communicative leader!

Who Motivates the Motivator?

There will be times you, the motivator, may need motivation. That's to be expected. You need to recognize times when you're depressed, burned out or otherwise not at your best. Need a shot in the arm? There are counselors and coaches, support groups and your own personal network of professional resources to draw upon. Understand the importance of maintaining your own resiliency and ability to shoulder the needs of your group.

Leaders: Windows to the Soul of an Organization

It's said you can tell a lot about a company by the people it keeps. I believe leaders to be the windows to the soul of organizations. Leader who are dour, negative or waiting for the next shoe to drop adversely affect an organization's morale. Conversely, leaders who are successful Chief Morale Officers disproportionably affect morale. Flex your motivational muscles and give your organization the morale they need. As CMO you are now the provider of choice of your employees!

About the Author

Craig Harrison is the Chief Excellence Officer — And Chief Expressionist, of his own company, Expressions of Excellence! Craig can be reached through his website: Expressions of Excellence!.

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