With employment reaching numbers we haven't seen since 1982, 401(k)s and retirement accounts being cut to 40 percent of what they were only months ago, it's no secret that morale of our country is going downhill.
As leaders it's our job to communicate to the people we lead content that will help them keep their morale up during difficult times such as these.
Here is some interesting stats from The Modesto Bee on morale that might help you as a leader. Once you get to the page, scroll down to the bottom to where it says, Figuratively Speaking (I would post the stats here, but I do not have copyright permission).
About a year ago I wrote a short article on Morale at Helium. The article was written in a very different context at that time because we weren't even thinking about a recession (which is one of the reasons that we're in one), but I think you still might find a few useful ideas in the article.
The Modesto Bee makes key points for all managers. Communication is essential for a cohesive work environment. Managers are responsible to foster open and honest communication. Immediate feedback, positive and negative, works well. Remember, praise in public and punish in private.
Posted by: Randy | January 04, 2009 at 10:44 AM
Randy,
Thanks for the insight. I like your short one-liner, "Praise in public and punish in private."
I also like to not just praise in public, but praise in private as well!
Posted by: Christopher Scott | January 04, 2009 at 12:37 PM
Just wanted to toss in a thanks for the resources... I never would have found those stats from the Bee if you hadn't of pointed them out to me...
Posted by: Positive Thinking | August 13, 2010 at 11:51 AM
Great,
I'm glad you enjoyed them.
I'm grateful to be a resource and to serve you. :-)
Posted by: Christopher Scott | August 13, 2010 at 02:08 PM