How can I help my Soldiers' morale?

2016-05-09T05:14:37-04:00

My unit is sucking my soldiers' motivation and morale out of them. I even find myself afflicted at times.

Response by SGT Brent Cann made May 9 at 2016 5:36 AM

2016-05-09T05:36:23-04:00

By leading by example. You have to come in and have a "Fake it, till you make it" mindset. By you, yourself coming in and acting motivated, your soldiers will follow your example if you are a respected leader to them. Yes, I personally know it is easier said then done however IF you can get past the demotivated aspect of the issues and just have fun with it, you'll go a million miles forward. Open Communications and being honest is a huge boon for a leader and knowing this should bring you to, empathize and sympathize with your soldiers however don't get sucked into that. They will not always be in the "that unit" and change is inevitable. Paint the picture of their and your individual futures in an inspirational way, to them. Let them know that "that unit" is just a stepping stone which will teach them how NOT to do things in their futures as well as your future! Embrace the suck because there WILL BE LIGHT at the End of the Tunnel! Good luck Sgt.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2016 8:10 AM

2016-05-09T08:10:52-04:00

First, determine Why it is happening. Once you know the Why, find solutions that fit your Soldiers. Do you have any specifics, so I can give you ideas?

Response by CSM David Heidke made May 9 at 2016 8:29 AM

2016-05-09T08:29:26-04:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member, you are starting in the right direction. You notice a problem and you want to fix it. I have a couple of thoughts.

SGT Brent Cann has very sound advice. Don't let your Troops know that you are not motivated. Try your best to put on a good face. This will help.

Find like minded NCOs who want to make things better. You aren't the only one. Seek people out, talk with them. Collaborate. There is strength in numbers.

CSM Private RallyPoint Member toldyoui to find out why. This is also sound advice. If it's becausse training is bad, you and your mafia that you have created in the previous step can work together to make that happen. If it's toxic leadership. Talk to your CSM, if he/she is part of the problem, talk with his/her CSM.

Good luck. Knowing you have a problem in the unit and working to fix it is admirable.

Response by MAJ Rene De La Rosa made May 9 at 2016 8:44 AM

2016-05-09T08:44:29-04:00

Go in with the following 4 P's-Purpose--what is the unit's purpose? and pursue that to the nth level. People--attempt to make it better for your subordinates and peers. Productivity--help keep the unit in check on this, and no one will be effected. Finally, progress. How much progress are we making toward the unit goals?

Response by SGT Richard H. made May 9 at 2016 9:19 AM

2016-05-09T09:19:12-04:00

Without specifics, the best I can offer is to suggest that you stop walking past the trash on the ground. That's an analogy, of course, but if you want things to be different, you have to find a way to make them different. I'm not suggesting you lead a mutiny, but there are undoubtedly things you can do to improve the situation. It's hard to say what those might be without more specific information.

Response by SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres made May 9 at 2016 9:23 AM

2016-05-09T09:23:44-04:00

Build the moral off duty hours, you guys could meet up and have fun. Especially since summer is near- BBQ-time!!! Let them know that despite what appears to be going on the unit, that you are there for them and always will be. Reinforce standards so that everyone is continuing
to follow all rules and regs; and things will change for the better.

If you get the chance let your NCO channel know whats going on, that the men are not happy and something needs to change. Possibly the unit will fill out a climate control survey, and then you all can voice opinions that way. Take advantage of open door policies and encourage your Soldiers to do the same.

Response by SGT Nia Chiaraluce made May 9 at 2016 9:55 AM

2016-05-09T09:55:19-04:00

The best advice I can give you is learn to coast or "ride the wave". During your career you are going to come across outstanding leadership and examples of what not to be. Not everything is a fight sometimes it's okay as a leader to put aside the fight mentality and to coast especially if the wave stands to crush you. Take a step back and change your perspective so you can better react to the situation. If that means getting your ducks in a row and taking it higher then do not hesitate.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 9 at 2016 11:25 AM

2016-05-09T11:25:37-04:00

Think about this like any other TRAUMA & FIRST AID situation.

1) Identify the problem (Loss of motivation). You have already determined this.

2) Determine the cause (What is causing Loss of motivation). Before you can begin to correct you must ASSESS or you risk Injuring yourself and others. Think about it like seeing someone having a seizure. You don't immediately rush over. You look first, because he may be holding a live electrical wire (causing said seizure).

3) Stop the Bleeding. After identifying Cause (2), do what you can to stop said Cause (if within your power) or ESCALATE to someone who has said power.

4) Start the Breathing. How do you IMPROVE morale? How do you COUNTERACT loss of morale? If morale is a bucket of water, and loss is a hole in the bucket (water is draining out of the hole), then you need to either a) patch the hole (3) or b) FILL the bucket (IMPROVE morale).

5) Protect the wound. This goes back to (3). After the bleeding is stopped, look for ways to prevent recurrence. This can be through morale improving events, or through "procedures" to ensure it doesn't reach catastrophic stages again.

6) Treat for shock. Find those who are "injured" and get them back up and running. People are resilient, but some are going to have longer term damage that need special attention. Locate and work with them, lest they bring others down.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made May 9 at 2016 11:50 AM

2016-05-09T11:50:42-04:00

The biggest thing is identifying what specifically is reducing motivation and morale. If it is something that can be changed and overcome, morale will improve. If it isn't something that can be changed, the best recommendation is the "fake it, till you make it" mindset. If you set a positive mindset, your junior troops will follow. I personally don't like using the false motivation because I would rather the troops in my charge be genuinely enthusiastic about something.

Just for a couple examples: A group of my junior Marines weren't so enthusiastic about getting up every morning and PTing with me. They'd rather go to the gym by themselves and do their own thing. So I instituted a "PT fun day" once a week. We still got a workout in, but made it more competitive and fun so they were now looking forward to PT a bit more.

I also had one of my former Marines get into a bit of trouble when they were young and stupid. He was getting pretty down on himself. I told him that he needed to present a positive outward appearance even if he was getting the book thrown at him because it demonstrates that he can bounce back and recover. Sure enough, he kept a positive mindset and his performance improved and eventually recovered.

I don't know what is sucking the motivation from your troops, most things I've dealt with are a case by case basis. But when in doubt, Lead By Example.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made May 9 at 2016 2:29 PM

2016-05-09T14:29:33-04:00

If you can infuse some fun it will go a long way.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made May 9 at 2016 2:44 PM

2016-05-09T14:44:02-04:00

Who runs your PT program?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2016 2:54 PM

2016-05-09T14:54:23-04:00

In looking at the responses, all of them provide good advice. But the best advice in the world is useless unless there's follow through.

Start with what you can control. The statement, "fake it until you make it" was used by SGT Brent Cann. I would say that is step 2 or 3. MAJ Rene De La Rosa gave you the 4-P's (Purpose, People, Productivity, Progress) as a framework by which to direct your efforts. That framework will work well, but there is one thing from all of these responses I believe is understated.

Lead by Example.

Have you watched the movie Caddie Shack? If not, you need to watch it. There is one scene where Chevy Chase's character tells the main character, Danny, to "Be the ball". Here is the Youtuibe link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWH811TcckU

Although this is a fun movie, there are also some lessons to be learned by this movie. First, you must admit there is a "force in the universe that makes things happen". I'm not talking The Force (Star Wars) or anything unnatural. But there is balance.

Balance is the key to success in everything. A sports team cannot win by offense or defense alone. There must be a balance between the two when enables the team to make more good happen (points for) than bad (points against).

When a golfer takes a swing, they have balance throughout that swing. If they are not balanced, they will dig, slice, cut or miss the ball. It will not go where it's intended. Balance is key.

Chevy Chase blindfolds himself to strike the ball. This is demonstrating trust. Trust in the force, trust in himself, and trust in his skills. "All you have to do is get in touch with it (the force in the universe). Stop thinking, Let things happen, and be the ball". The ball is the result of the effort you put into it. The effort is the swing, the ball is the result. Where the result (ball) ends up is dependent on the effort (swing) and trust (in one's self and in the process).

There must be some help along the way. This is demonstrated by Chevy Chase taking a handful of clubs out of the bag and dropping them. You must have help, assistance and guidance. You cannot do it alone, but you can do it. Know what it is you want (Chevy Chase wants the wedge) and asks Danny for the wedge. He knows what he wants. It's not outside of the parameters of the goal. It is a realistic tool to use in the process. Know your process and the tools you need to accomplish the task. Remember, this is all focused on being "the ball", being balanced, and trusting the process.

"Find your center. Hear nothing. Feel nothing." Find your balance, don't let outside distractions take away from that center (balance), become part of the process and the solution.

Danny's first shot in developing this process is a failure. That is to be expected in any development of a new process. But by the end of the movie, he is able to stay centered and achieve the goal.

Identify the purpose (mission) of what you are being asked to do. Stay centered. Find a mentor within the organization you look up to and ask for professional guidance. That could be another NCO or an Officer (when I was a Jr. NCO one of my mentors was the Company XO). Learn from them, but also be willing to freely give that knowledge to your team. Don't be afraid to fail, and keep trying.

We used to have a phrase, I believe it's still used. "Semper Gumby" (Always Flexible). Embrace that thought. Stay centered (you can only control you and your actions), be the example, do everything with motivation and always be the positive example for your Soldiers. Work the long hours and do the extra. Stay centered.

When you make these changes, believe it or not, the toxic leadership will make the changes as well. It will take a while, but nobody ever said you can't be a leader from your position in your organization. The leadership may give the direction, but that's not leadership. Always moving forward, remaining balanced, being willing to make the mistakes, learn from those mistakes, and continuing to strive for perfection... that's leadership that's contagious.

I believe you can do it, and so does the Army (that's why you are an E5). You are the base of the backbone... the strongest point. You enable the rest of the spine to be able to do it's function. Believe in yourself. Believe in your abilities. Train your team to take your place. Stay balanced, and "be the ball".

Caddyshack - Be The Ball - HD

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2016 4:33 PM

2016-05-09T16:33:42-04:00

How are they sucking the life out of them?

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2016 6:40 PM

2016-05-09T18:40:11-04:00

Your brain is like a computer and your mind is like the software. If you change your mind you can change your life.

You must be able to discern between manipulation and motivation. Manipulation is self-serving and self-interest. Motivation is what is best for the common good - You , me, and all concerned. So ask yourself what is the "intention" behind behavior/action? Here is a paradox - "You can get whatever you want , if you help enough other people get what they want."

There are five levels of motivation:
1. Mission (Who else? What is my purpose?)
2. Identity (Who am I? Who are we?)
3. Values (Why do we do what we do?)
4. Beliefs (Why do we do what we do?)
5. Capabilities (How do we get things done?)

You can motivate anyone to do anything if it matches their internal mental programming

There are five motivational programs:
1. Toward - Away (goal achievers or problem solvers)
2. Internal - External ( decisive leadership or compliant followership)
3. Options - Procedures ( choices or process)
4. Active - Passive (self-starting or other initiating)
5. Sameness - Progress - Difference (same, improved, or new)

Create desire that, "I can be there."

Steps to building Esprit de Corps:
1. Reward cooperation
2. Assign responsibility for group morale to the group itself
3. Plan occasions when people can be away together
4. Assign a high value to communication
5. Collaborate

Response by SPC James Harsh made May 9 at 2016 7:16 PM

2016-05-09T19:16:19-04:00

My favorite analogy for thinking about false motivation and how to use it is: Waking up at zero dark thirty to go on a PT run and yelling at everyone to get a move on it. Sure no one wants to do this, except for that one guy, but it is effective.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 10 at 2016 5:44 AM

2016-05-10T05:44:07-04:00

If you believe you know the cause I recommend speaking to the next person in the COC. Ask if they feel as if there are issues and what they can do to guid you.

Response by SPC(P) Meshell Horton made May 10 at 2016 5:53 AM

2016-05-10T05:53:16-04:00

I do know that morale is needed to get motivation. Try sharing your life stories with local nonprofits that want to help soldiers.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 6:28 AM

2016-05-10T06:28:06-04:00

Motivation gives purpose. If you are not being fully utilized, employ a goal/s for you and your soldiers to complete, make them small but rewarding at the end of the day. NCOs have always played un Umbrella in a sense covering me from nonsensical and useless repetition. Utilize your authority however much you can to sway your soldier into seeing a bigger picture and ultimate goal to each day. When there is no big picture and no explanation ensure to find something in the day that applies to the squad, team, and individual Soldier. Whether it be a 5minute pep talk to the team to ensure that they can share some of the motivation you carry. When my soldiers start on the downward spiral, I try to level with them spoke to them as an experienced person to another (with out blurring the lines of my leadership). Know them, and use your leader/ subordinate relationship to give them an example to look up to.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 8:56 AM

2016-05-10T08:56:17-04:00

Focus on what you can affect. And look down at finding solutions rather than up.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 9:21 AM

2016-05-10T09:21:01-04:00

Get a bag of straws for your boys and one for yourself and suck it up then PT them.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 9:30 AM

2016-05-10T09:30:12-04:00

SGT Brent is "right on point" and the key is "never to take it personally" or it'll crush anyone! This is what we signed up for! Just as Eleanor Roosevelt once said: "No one can make you feel inferior without your permission!" The same is true about being "beaten down" it doesn't have to feel that way. You adjust your expectations and rise to that level. "No one rises to low expectations!" I've been it some crappy units, and you just have to keep telling yourself" "You're young, you'll get over it!" Ha! Google the story about "Randy Leamer" on the Oprah Winfrey show! He tells an amazing story about how he was able to do the impossible to save his daughter's life! His conclusion as to how he was able to do that was simply: "When your WHY gets bigger, you'll get better!" Ask yourself: "Why did you sign up?" Floyd Patterson was knocked down the most in his career in boxing, and yet his response was: "They said I was the fighter who got knocked down the most, but I also got up the most!" In fact Floyd Patterson was knocked down SEVEN times in his first title fight against Ingemar Johannson. He came back and retained his title in his rematch with a 5th round knockout over Johannson! Lastly, one final great quote to live by is: "Your attitude will determine your altitude!" Shake it off, you are soldiers and warriors! "DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF!" All the best to your soldiers! - Top

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 9:34 AM

2016-05-10T09:34:19-04:00

As a junior enlisted that was also at a morale sucking unit, i can say your attitude has a direct impact on the soldiers you lead. My first line always had a level head and rarely let us see his frustration

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 9:35 AM

2016-05-10T09:35:05-04:00

You just need to constantly be checking up on them and asking them what they want to do and be open to them leaving the unit to pursue other options.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 9:44 AM

2016-05-10T09:44:04-04:00

more pay

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 9:45 AM

2016-05-10T09:45:01-04:00

Try team/squad functions on the weekend or a pt competition. Always at least have false modiviation as a leader though. When leaders lose modivation is really when modivation dies for regular joe wise. Just my 2 cents though

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 9:57 AM

2016-05-10T09:57:41-04:00

I agree with most comments. You can't remove yourself and your troops from the situation but you can change your and your troops collective perspective. Make it petsonal. Your unit is a smaller part of a whole organization. This allows you to work on implementing a plan possible. Find out what makes your troops tick use this to help change their perspective. If your troops have a cohesive goal they will function better. Bring them together and emphasize how important they are to each other.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 10:00 AM

2016-05-10T10:00:17-04:00

Is the damage at the company level as well? I know from experience with low morale in my unit that simple team building events realty help a lot. My platoon used to dedicate a day every 2-4 weeks that we would go out to eat for pt. We would turn SGTs time training ( land nav, ect) and turn it something fun such as a scavenger hunt. we would also have competitions during pt for the soldiers to get the rest of the day off or not return until after lunch. or have a platoon dinner after work or on the weekend. also being a medic attached to scouts teaching your soldiers classes outside there own job gives them an opportunity to gain new knowledge and get a break from there normal repetitive cycle. Its really the little things over time that amount to so much more. The army lifestyle sucks, that's not avoidable, but every opportunity you should try to maximize that and you'll see a difference in moral.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 10:16 AM

2016-05-10T10:16:58-04:00

First a little bit about myself, i am a 8yr specialist about to hit RCP. I have been down and out many times because of bad leadership and the IMO bogus army promotion system. i have never been in trouble (2AGCM 6AAM 2ARCOM). now to the answer.

I was plagued many times by bad leadership and i was often put into leadership positions because of draw downs and generally being short handed of NCO's (but they cant promote me because my points where up in the 600-7never range). what i found and what worked for me is to always put your soldiers first even if it means you might loose face or look bad. Never make them take blame for your short comings and never use the system to your advantage and "screw" soldiers in the wrong way by not informing them of the rules and regulations. I promise you if you show that soldier that you care about them and theyre family above all else they will work themselves to the bone for you. they may not like the rest of the army but they dont have to. I was bitter because of my situation by if i was respected for my expertise and not treated like a child i would work hard to earn that respect. on the other hand if i got stuck with an nco that wanted to be stupid about things i might just forget what i know and play dumb. people may not like this but it is human nature and the faster you come to realize that acceptance is the path to true wisdom the closer you are to becoming a better leader.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 10:20 AM

2016-05-10T10:20:32-04:00

Need more info. What are the key issues?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 10:21 AM

2016-05-10T10:21:52-04:00

I agree with the answers provided so far. The one thing I would really stress is you cannot accomplish this by yourself. While identifying the cause of the loss of morale, I would perhaps identify several key personnel who can be relied on to help you change around the morale. If you try and do it by yourself, you run the risk of bashing your head against a wall and possibly making the situation worse for yourself. Just my two cents.... good luck to you!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 10:48 AM

2016-05-10T10:48:08-04:00

I hope this helps cause I know what you are going through, but basically if the leadership don't do anything for to help the units morale it'll a tough assignment. 1. Remind your soldiers of other activities they can do after work to relieve stress sports, bowling, boysclubs. Then talk with you leadership make sure they know and they tell their highers so they can arrange a organization day or a extra block leave.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 11:14 AM

2016-05-10T11:14:20-04:00

Something I regret having not done as a leader is not taking my team to dinner on payday Friday. I was always the one that strove to be harsh but fair like I was brought up as a PVT. I don't believe that we should avoid dusting a Soldier off for screwing up and instead write counselings. Firm discipline is important, however, that hour out of our lives as leaders would go a long way in building the cohesiveness among the team. You would get a better feel of what your guys were doing that night, and the weekend, by giving them that time to speak freely and honestly. There should not be a place for blatant disrespect, but handled well it would have done a great job team building.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 11:22 AM

2016-05-10T11:22:44-04:00

First off dont peddle out the "false motivation is better than no motivation" crap. Because false motivation is worse than none, your telling soldiers its better to be a fake than to just ruck up and drive on. Best thing ive found so far (im only a spc with four years in) is to find a way to connect with the soldiers themselves. Not be friends per-se but they need to see you as an ally in thier lives not an adversary or obstacle. Ask them about thier lives, even if you dont have similar interest show them you genuinley want to at least understand. Find out what interests them and why, this will lead you to what drives them. Once you know what they seek in life and what makes them tick, you will know where the "moto-button" is and how to push it. Then motivating soldiers is easy. Keep in mind that every soldier is thier own unique person so what works on one probably wont work on the others. Also remeber this is a slow process. Once they trust and respect you, they will break their backs for you.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 11:36 AM

2016-05-10T11:36:14-04:00

As a soldier I can tell you that you need to pull your soldiers in close. Spend time with them, relate to them. The problem with leaders that I see is too many times they become NCOs or leaders, and they forget that they were once a Joe. The moment you can't bring yourself back down to reach a Joe is the moment you lose him. He then loses respect for you, and ultimately his motivation and morale. I know this bc it has happened to me too many times. Too often when someone progresses into a leadership position, they put too much separation between themselves and the soldier. Separation is good bc we as joes need to see who's leading and who we can count on to represent us. But when you stop helping and mentoring all together and start disciplining without explanation it creates a problem. All the Joe sees is his leader punishing him, not talking to him and explaining that "hey I been there I made that mistake and I bounced back". I talk about leaders because to me the leaders create the environment and set the tone of morale in the unit. And they also play a big part in the rising or lowering of the moral. And I big part of that is based on the relationship you have with your soldiers. Be an example, and if other leaders don't wanna follow then tell their soldiers if they need someone to talk to or look up to, then look at you.
Good luck brother !

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 12:17 PM

2016-05-10T12:17:26-04:00

Have you tried a team-building event? If not, may I suggest getting together with them to do something fun, like golf, fishing, sporting event, etc? Also, if you feel they deserve it, perhaps you should put them in for an award. While you are at it, complete a DA 638 on yourself and ask your supervisor if he/she thinks it would be appropriate to submit.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made May 10 at 2016 12:22 PM

2016-05-10T12:22:20-04:00

See if you can do flag football on Fridays. The scored upon team has to do push ups and sit ups. On Friday Afternoon conduct a squad huddle to see what everyone is doing on the weekend and how their lives are going.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 2:21 PM

2016-05-10T14:21:05-04:00

You have to be a guiding light in their career. Show them that you care about their career. Always help your junior soldiers/sailors. This is one of the best ways I have found. You keep them positive.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 4:24 PM

2016-05-10T16:24:23-04:00

Nothing, nowadays it's best to protect yourself. Your career and self preservation are more important.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 5:21 PM

2016-05-10T17:21:49-04:00

Tell leadership to ease up or they're numbers are going suck when people start etsing

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 5:46 PM

2016-05-10T17:46:46-04:00

You might have to incorporated training and activities into your training schedule that is going to keep the soldier's interest up. Think outside the box. Instead of doing the MOS do some training like First aide. Where u have stations set up. Do some hiking. Try to train with other units, or Some ROTC units. That's a few suggestions.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 9:18 PM

2016-05-10T21:18:08-04:00

I always told my NCOs that they are an umbrella to their troops. What I mean by that is that you are required to protect them from the crap that rains down on them. I always did that by keeping them focused on our mission and I promised them that i would deal with that which was thrown at us. Then I banned with the other NCOs and SNCOs and shielded the troops from what we could allowing them to continue focusing on training and the necessities of the mission.

Response by MSgt Art Busch made May 11 at 2016 4:20 PM

2016-05-11T16:20:55-04:00

Model this: Integrity first, service before self, excellence in all you do.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2016 5:06 PM

2016-05-11T17:06:42-04:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member As a NCO, you have to lead by example and can not let your men see that you are also affected. What is your unit doing that is causing the problem? If you know what the problem is, have you tried to fix it?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2016 10:49 AM

2016-05-12T10:49:53-04:00

I want to thank everyone for their sound advice. When asking this question I honestly didn't think I would get such a great and positive response. I have already started implementing some of the advice that has been giving and I am also keeping my eyes and ears open to try and figure out exactly what it is that's bringing the Soldiers down. Again, thank you all. I hope this discussion can reach other NCO's/Junior Leaders in similar situations.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2016 7:09 AM

2016-05-14T07:09:06-04:00

In my unit, we do something we like to call "Man Meat Fridays" which is simply a Burger burn with brat wursts and steaks and chicken or whatever the Airmen choose to bring, or they pitch in a dollar for each paygrade, (E-1 give $1, E-4 give $4 and so on). While work is getting done out on the flight line, the flight chiefs are outside making food for everyone.

Other times, if there's not a lot of work going on and we can spare a few guys/gals, we sometimes allow people to go home early.

The Air Force has also authorized the wearing of unit morale shirts on fridays as a nice change of pace.

And if you can get away with it, try having a down day where everyone gets together and plays some sports and has fun all day without having to worry about work, maybe once a quarter.

These are just a few ways my unit has come up with to raise morale. And 12 hour days really put everyone on the bad side, so if you don't absolutely have to, the unit appreciates it if it doesn't happen.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2016 9:08 PM

2016-05-14T21:08:50-04:00

Perpective is key. We can see the exact situation two opposing ways through our perspective. Why are you here ? who's depending on you? Who dafuq r you? KiccAss Army! Men, our ego is our motivation, our mindset! They're only as strong as their leader, so be the example! Motivated, determined n proud! Hooah!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2016 3:18 PM

2016-05-16T15:18:30-04:00

The best way I've found to build morale within my unit is by careful management of 6 human needs: Security/Certainty, Variety/Uncertainty, Significance, Connection/Love, Growth, and Contribution. Every person needs each of these to varrying degrees, for instance one person might need more security than another. But by knowing each person and their needs you can ensure they have what it takes for emotional and psychological health.
Security - Sometimes we don't know what to expect, especially in the military where the schedule can be chaotic at best. But having resources, a work structure, and a plan of attack to handle anything that comes down the road can still give a soldier/sailor security. As a leader, be consistent in the reassurance that we can handle anything because of this. i.e. We don't know what equipment will go down or when, but we have a dry-erase board where we will document everything as soon as it happens and track its status, as well as designated personnel who will do their part to order parts, gather tools, and fix the problem - and we are trained to fix problems well.
Variety - In many work atmospheres the day-to-day routine can become mundane. We also tend to overapply a person's skills to the point that they are performing the same tasks too much. Throw people a curveball every now and then to shake things up. A training activity that may seem unrelated but teaches teamwork; early liberty for no reason; a change of responsibilities.
Significance - Many units in the military can be so far removed from the action that they lose sight of the big picture, i.e. standing watches. It is vital to consistently remind your personnel of the purpose they have in their position. Beat it into their heads that each person has a purpose in the big scheme. Take every opportunity to highlight accomplishments that have come about due to their work.
Connection/Love - Military members have 2 families, the one at home and the one at work. Make sure to provide ample opportunity for them to be involved in each. At work you have the capability of influencing the military family aspect. Be encouraging of the time your unit spends together both on and off duty. Set up unit outings and game nights. Something as simple as having lunch together goes a long way.
Growth - Be intrusive in the personal growth of your personnel. Pushing qualifications is only the beginning. Make sure that their finances are set up with investments they can see results from. Get them into college classes so they can take advantage of the military's education benefits. One thing I did was to post a "quote of the day", and had each member involved in choosing quotes that would both motivate and teach us.
Contribution - Make sure your personnel are involved in the tasks you performed on every level. Utilize the knowledge and creativity each person has by allowing them to be a part of the decision making process. In the military, the one in charge will always have the final say, but it costs nothing to listen to your personnel's insights and suggestions. Encourage ownership by delegating responsibilities and then RECOGNIZING success. This also ties in with vision which is a key aspect of leadership. Provide your unit with a vision, such as 100% operational capability, outline the points that are required to accomplish your vision, and then enable them to work independently and together to accomplish your goals. When the leader's vision is also the team's vision, amazing things can be accomplished.
Military leadership is not easy, but it can be deeply rewarding when you play a positive role in the lives of your personnel. Be genuine, attentive, authoritative, inclusive, and direct. Take blame, give credit. Build your people and you will rise with them.

- Credit "6 Human Needs": https://training.tonyrobbins.com/the-6-human-needs-why-we-do-what-we-do/

The 6 Human Needs: Why We Do What We Do - Tony Robbins Blog

Understand the six fundamental needs that shape our behavior and identify how to create new patterns that lead to lasting fulfillment.

Response by SGT Ethan Robinson made May 16 at 2016 11:58 PM

2016-05-16T23:58:08-04:00

Well one thing is what is their leadership like? is their leadership something they should strive be like or are they lazy and shit bags? things that i always use is during PT put some kind of competition in your PT plan. also i always had my guys compete during training events. soldiers will feed off their leadership lead by example

Response by SPC Jason Gerhardt made May 17 at 2016 8:36 AM

2016-05-17T08:36:14-04:00

first learn about your soldiers personal life. See whats missing. Fill the need. You can take a day and have your soldiers and family take a day at park. Places like Busch Gardens have one free day a year. What better way to bond with your soldiers.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2016 6:26 PM

2016-05-28T18:26:09-04:00

As many have given the right answer, leading by example. Even though the unit is not as inspirational everyone wish it to be, there may be different root causes unknown and difficult for you to tackle. So everything falls with you being who you supposed to be an NCO.
Remember when it comes to teamwork, individualism is the worst enemy. And by taking matters on your own it might complicate things in the long run. Be supportive and tactful but maintain your military bearing. There is a chain of command for a reason and the hire it goes the greater is this bearing, never to be confused for arrogance or carelessness.

If you were looking for specific examples here are some:

1. Request permission to your staff of taking command of a PT session, and instead conducting same boring routine, take them to play a sport they might enjoy. Football, Soccer, go to the Gym allow them the freedom to pick what they want to work out.
2. Make a habit of once a while do cookouts.
3. An inspirational movie session when the time is available is not a bad idea.
4. I remember at one point I asked permission to my SFC to conduct a quality survey were I would allow all my unit soldiers speak out anonymously about their unit and leaders and provide a grade of value. It was so that the SFC liked the idea and he requested personally to do the survey, whereas the SFC only evaluated the final review and scores. So you cannot see your fellow NCO’s review. This will give you and your staff an idea who or where is the problem and also what your subordinates think about leadership.
5. Another thing that you should be doing anyways is periodic Developmental Counseling form DA 4856. Many think that this is always negative but they are entirely wrong and misguided. Developmental counseling can be very positive in a way by gratifying those who exceeded expectation and those being inspired to work in a particular area of need. Either way the counseling can be written not just for records but also to communicate strategically between your soldiers and the unit.

Regards

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2016 12:52 PM

2016-06-11T12:52:31-04:00

is there a specific thing that gets to them? I know I did some PT once, we played dodge ball. Then we did platoon vs other platoons. It got pretty popular. I know our xo hated it, but the guy that mattered the CO loved it. He ecouraged us to do alternate PT that stressed team building. Seemed dodge ball accomplished all. After a couple hours, everyone was pretty PT'd.

Might also try to have a private get together. Ask what is the problem, let them vent. I learned that letting people vent openly and freely can help. You just have to make sure and lead it, do not let it degrade into a crybaby session. I actually use this in my now civilian job. The company claim manager has commented my team seems to be happier, more dedicated than other units.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 1 at 2018 8:42 PM

2018-10-01T20:42:49-04:00

You need to find out why life sucks.