Morale, is one of the most misused and abused catchall words used in our business. Often the charge “morale is low” is used as an accusation against a leader or leaders of an organization if things aren’t going well. Those who throw it out there might be justified but also might be just as responsible for low morale with a pervasively negative approach to dealing with problems and issues…
Take this quote by famed sociologist Alexander H. Leighton
morale is the capacity of a group of people to pull together persistently and consistently in pursuit of a common purpose
I don’t think it can be summed up any better, and it’s worth analysis:
Capacity: How is the organization set up to deal with issues related to both success and trouble. In the so called “good times” there can be issues with people who feel entitled to get a share of the pie bigger than they received previously. It’s not just money for personal gain, but could be for instance a Music Director wanting more musicians, concerts, rehearsals. Musicians and staff wanting more time off. When these pulls on an organization occur it can possibly lead to problems when the economy takes a nose dive, and we have seen that time and time again in these last few years. How many wish now that instead of that cool new series that cost an arm and a leg and drained any surplus (and maybe cost more than that), that they had built a cash reserve? Capacity is also about restraint.
Group of People: The biggest misconception about morale is that individuals are responsible for it. Morale is a two way street and if one is waiting for someone else to make them happy, then get ready for a long wait. No matter how large or how small a role we play, we are still a moving part that is necessary for the engine to hum, and so we all need to be proactive with a pay it forward approach. In terms of nuts and bolts the simplest way to do it is to when bringing up a concern, to also bring up a realistic suggestion of how to fix the concern.
Pull together persistently and consistently: I have heard several times, “morale is good, everyone seems happy with things”. That sounds very much like a destination has been reached, which usually spells trouble. Morale is not a place you get to, it’s an ongoing process that needs continuous nurturing. It would be like a stock trader after a good day, taking the next day off only to find their gains have been erased! Times change rapidly, turnover happens, new ideas and personalities come into the mix constantly, disasters occur and if we’re caught sleeping then we could suddenly be in a deep hole and morale can take a nose dive.
Pursuit of a common purpose: To get things straight, morale itself is an umbrella word, it is not something that is worked on specifically. Good morale is the result of an organic organization that allows a voice for all and stays ahead of problems, but also deals with them in a methodical and consistent way, presenting a united front, agreeing to disagree but respecting a majority, and not seeking to undermine it which is a real morale killer!
The next time you hear the charge “morale is low”, consider the source as they may be contributing to the low morale. Overall when responsible for morale, I believe the approach should always be about being for something, and not against something, and being proactive not reactive.