The best morale exist when you never hear the word mentioned. When you hear a lot of talk about it, it's usually lousy.
Interpretation
True morale in a team is often unspoken and instinctive, while excessive discussion about morale usually indicates its lack.
This quote by Dwight D. Eisenhower suggests that genuine morale within a group or organization isnβt something that needs to be constantly addressed or discussed. When people are truly motivated and engaged, there's no need to vocalize things like morale; it exists naturally. Conversely, when leaders find themselves discussing morale often, it can indicate that there are underlying issues that need addressing, suggesting that perhaps morale is actually poor.
In practice
In a team meeting to foster relationships, you might remind everyone about Eisenhower's perspective on morale.
If a man's associates find him guilty of being phony, if they find that he lacks forthright integrity, he will fail. His teachings and actions must square with each other. The first great need, therefore, is integrity and high purpose.
The libraries of America are and must ever remain the home of free and inquiring minds. To them, our citizens-of all ages and races, of all creeds and persuasions-must be able to turn with clear confidence that there they can freely seek the whole truth, unvarnished by fashion and uncompromised by expediency.
You don't lead by hitting people over the head - that's assault, not leadership.
When pressure mounts and strain increases everyone begins to show the weaknesses in his makeup. It is up to the Commander to conceal his: above all to conceal doubt, fear, and distrust.
Some years ago I became president of Columbia University and learned within 24 hours to be ready to speak at the drop of a hat, and I learned something more, the trustees were expected to be ready to speak at the passing of the hat.
I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity.
There is no parallel in the history of the world. This mighty subcontinent with all kinds of inhabitants has been brought under a plan which is titanic, unknown, unparalleled. And what is very important with regard to it is that we have achieved it peacefully and by means of an evolution of the greatest possible character.
I think one of the great things about the United States has been our ability to maintain a distinction between our military and domestic law enforcement.
Rule a kingdom as though you were cooking a small fish - don't overdo it.
I enter on the trust to which I have been called by the suffrages of my fellow-citizens with my fervent prayers to the Almighty that He will be graciously pleased to continue to us that protection which He has already so conspicuously displayed in our favor.
The duties of an officer are the safety, honor, and welfare of your country first; the honor, welfare, and comfort of the men in your command second; and the officer s own ease, comfort, and safety last.
If we're afraid to stand in our own skin with those we work with, then how do we lead those who have no voice at all?
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