School Morale, Pride and Spirit: Make a difference

Gene Klann says that when morale, pride and spirit are present in a team, productivity is high, relationships are strong and it’s fun to go to work. Without these traits, the situation is very different. Teams are dissatisfied, lethargic, negative and don’t co-operate. He says that teams that possess a strong sense of morale, pride and spirit will be able to multiply their energy, achievement, efficiency and productivity.

Morale he says is a reflection of the attitude or mental condition of an individual or team. “People with high morale are generally positive, optimistic, cooperative and supportive of the team’s vision and mission. They have a can-do attitude, persistence and a willingness and determination to do whatever it takes to accomplish the mission.”

People with Pride respect themselves and the other members of their team, they delight in the team’s achievements and believe that whatever they must face, they can collectively and successfully handle it. There is a justifiable belief by the team members in their personal work, as well as that of the team.

Spirit reveals itself in the vigor, energy, vivacity and courage of the team members. “Spirit is animating; it can be contagious, motivational and inspirational,” says Klann. It can be generated with encouraging words, hand clapping, backslapping etc.

Although a team with elevated morale, pride and spirit is likely to be more positive about their work and their co-workers more than other teams, happiness is not the end goal. The same sense of team morale, pride and spirit that makes work fun will create tangible benefits for the organization including satisfied customers, improved quality, increased productivity, improved safety, etc.

How does evidence of morale, pride and spirit manifest themselves in your school and school teams?
(Gene Klann authored Crisis Leadership in 2003.)