Morale?

11/18/11 Morale?

A number of years ago, our college president said in response to a question about morale following a cut of 20 employees that morale is the responsibility of the individual. Hmm… My immediate thought in that emotional moment was that he was crazy and wrong. But, after some reflection, I think that what he was getting at is that we must all choose how we react to emotional and distressing situations; that we are responsible for our own emotions and reactions. Clearly we are. We will have change. We will have very stressful days. But, we don’t have the luxury of sulking in a corner with our pouty lip sticking out. We have customers and students to serve. We must put on a positive face so we can give them a positive experience. The good news is that, even with the occasional difficult and stressful days and a few tough customers or interpersonal relationships, this is a wonderful place to work. We believe in supporting each other and many of us have connected as friends as well as coworkers. I think this comes through with our customers and students as well. Or, maybe it doesn't need to. What they see is that it is a nice place to do business and meet their educational needs. I hope your morale gets a bit of a boost just knowing that our many stakeholders think this is a really great institution/company to be connected to and served by. They've chosen us and YOU are one of the reasons they have! I am thankful for you!