Posted on Apr 26, 2019
What are some good ways to raise unit morale?
Suspended Profile
7.29K
26
19
As a junior leader, I've noticed that my section and ergo unit morale has been going down for quite some time. The reasons for this I won't speak about, but my question is this:
As a leader, what are some things I can do, or ways I can lead, that will help raise morale? I want my section to be disciplined, show good bearing, and lead by example, but I don't want them to be zombies either!
Thank you all in advance for your advice!
As a leader, what are some things I can do, or ways I can lead, that will help raise morale? I want my section to be disciplined, show good bearing, and lead by example, but I don't want them to be zombies either!
Thank you all in advance for your advice!
Leadership Development
Leadership
Morale
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 14
You’re very smart to ask the question and seek guidance. It says a ton about how you approach problem solving. That’s a good thing!
Every leader wants loyal followers, but not everyone is doing what it takes. Here are some TTPs to practice.
1. Taking risks to give someone a chance
2. Being there when people need you
3. Giving them credit and appreciation for a job well done
3. Freeing your own time to help them
4. Involving them in decision making and trusting their decisions
5. Valuing them and their opinions
6. Helping them grow
7. Taking their problems as your own
8. Empowering them to make a difference
9. Trust, respect and loyalty never last if they are not mutual.
10. Be the backstop or a shield for your people and handle problems at the lowest level possible/appropriate.
These are techniques you can use, rather than straight up activities. What you show your team by example, will flow through them and make the whole organization better. Morale will improve when TRUST is felt throughout the chain up and down.
I’ve always lead by the belief that I succeed when I help others be successful.
Every leader wants loyal followers, but not everyone is doing what it takes. Here are some TTPs to practice.
1. Taking risks to give someone a chance
2. Being there when people need you
3. Giving them credit and appreciation for a job well done
3. Freeing your own time to help them
4. Involving them in decision making and trusting their decisions
5. Valuing them and their opinions
6. Helping them grow
7. Taking their problems as your own
8. Empowering them to make a difference
9. Trust, respect and loyalty never last if they are not mutual.
10. Be the backstop or a shield for your people and handle problems at the lowest level possible/appropriate.
These are techniques you can use, rather than straight up activities. What you show your team by example, will flow through them and make the whole organization better. Morale will improve when TRUST is felt throughout the chain up and down.
I’ve always lead by the belief that I succeed when I help others be successful.
SFC Don Ward
I would add - get to know them and remember small details (even if you have to write them down at first). Private Snuffy will appreciate you asking how son John is doing in T-Ball.
MSG Chris Clanton
Pretty much nailed it colonel. Always praise them. Always. I would take Friday afternoons and play softball, basketball, football, etc. Or, put a keg of beer out for them on Friday afternoon. And the troops favorite.... just take the rest of the day off. Before long they were bringing the slower troops up to standards by having someone e mentor him/them. Remember they are men and like to be treated that way. They are also highly co petitive or they wouldn’t be wearing a uniform. Train the (ell out of them....
SFC Joseph A. Anderson
Excellent list sir. I couldn't agree more. It seems that some of those in charge today have lost the way along the way. WIIFM (What's in it for me) is more of todays way of thinking. I may be wrong in saying that as I have been out of service for 28 years.
You need to care for your squad. Keep them informed, communicate with them, ask them about their families, recognize the good that they do. If a member of your squad has kids, ask about them. Treat them the way you want to be treated and they will respect you. Give then some training. Go over the basics.
Be the very best Christian example you can be! I was a Squad Leader in the Army. I buffed the hallway floor for the last half hour of the IG inspection; such that my Squad members could sleep. SPC Jeremiah Bishop
CW4 Brian Haas
So if he’s not Christian he can’t be a good leader? What if some of his Soldiers aren’t Christian. In other words, that doesn’t have crap to do with it.
SFC Don Ward
CW4 Brian Haas - You are conflating two comments that are different. But, I will submit, a non-Christian cannot be a good spiritual leader.
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google