Arthur Marara
There is no intention on my part to take you through a French class, as my competence in the language may easily be impeached.
Business can thrive on nurturing and cultivating “esprit de corps” in its teams. Esprit de Corps means “Team Spirit”. Esprit de corps refers to a sense of group cohesion in the organisation and between employees. This Henry Fayol principle of management states that the management should strive to create unity, morale, and co-operation among the employees.
The principle also refers to the sense of unity and commitment to achieving a common goal. With this spirit, team members persistently pull each other together even in times of great adversity. It is a spirit of devotion and loyalty that each organisation rely on to achieve success. While it is important to recruit talents with significant expertise, a professional should also be able to fit into the company’s ecosystem and should be committed to working with the team on a long-term basis.
It is an important concept to keep an organisation and employees loyal to each other. This group cohesion makes it easier for employees to work together to achieve common objectives.
Collaboration that you get out of enjoying the people you work with causes you to have a better sharing of ideas and feel more comfortable on exposing yourself because it is collaborative.
In every working environment, conflicts can arise, as well as jealousy, one-upmanship, and misunderstanding. These differences can get in the way of ensuring harmony and loyalty. There are, however, ways to deal with them and promote esprit de corps within an organisation.
The direction the organisation takes is connected to the character and competence of the leader. Managers are responsible for the development of morale in the workplace; individually and in the area of communication. Esprit de corps contributes to the development of the culture and creates an atmosphere of mutual trust and understanding. A leader’s actions and effort contributes significantly to moulding a culture and establishing esprit de corps in a company.
How do you build Esprit de corps, let us share some few thoughts which you want to implement in your organisation.
- Develop focus on a single
and common goal
I have done articles in the past on the power of positive focus. You can read them on the Business Weekly website. If you want to effectively build and nurture “Esprit de corps” create positive focus on a common goal. Focus makes each team player concentrated on how to achieve the goal and refrain from dwelling on unimportant matters. Getting ready with action plans for those who are losing focus and motivation creates an easy way to get them back on track.
Keep your eye on the big picture
In times that are full of distractions, you need to keep your eyes glued on the bigger picture. Clearly identify and define what that big picture looks like and ensure that you do not lose sight of it. You cannot focus on what you cannot define. The picture must be where your business is currently, and its potential, and the direction you want it to go. Your activities must be informed by this picture. Challenge yourself and the team to be ahead in whatever that you do so that you to trail behind.
- Lead by example
The best way to demonstrate ethical values, commitment, and teamwork is by showing them yourself. A business leader can promote the company’s core values by showing how seriously it matters, then in following the same values and procedures comes uniformity and solidarity. People do not care about what you say, but what you do. Your life should be your message.
Mahatma Gandhi statute has a profound inscription, “My life, my message”. Great leaders lead by example. They lead with integrity. Let me share a story that brings out this point more clearly.
A young boy became so obsessed with eating sugar. His mother was quite upset with this and had tried so many ways stop her son from eating it. However, none of them seemed to work, so she decided to take her son to go and see his idol – Mahatma Gandhi, in the hope that her son may listen to him. They walked for miles under the scorching sun to reach Gandhi’s ashram, there she shared with Gandhi her situation — “Gandhi, my son consumes far too much sugar will you please tell him it’s bad for his health?”
After listening to the woman patiently, Gandhi thought for a while and refused to give the boy advise and told him to return in two weeks. The mother left a little perplexed and wondered why Gandhi had not asked the boy to stop eating sugar straight away.
Two weeks later they returned to visit Gandhi, this time Gandhi looked at the boy and said — “Boy, you stop eating sugar it’s not good for your health”.
The boy nodded towards Gandhi and said he would do his best to stop eating sugar. The boy’s mother was curious as to why Gandhi needed two weeks to tell her son that. Gandhi smiled to her and said, “Two weeks ago I had an obsession with sugar, I needed to cut back myself”.
Now, this is integrity! Leaders, do not just talk they walk the talk. Inspire your employees.
- Support each other
A leader shows the people that they lead that they believe in them, and is ready to support them. In times of adversity, it is more important for a leader to show support to the team. Supportive leaders, build connection which motivates people to get more involved and eventually this promotes better productivity.
- Maintain good communication
Great and effective leaders are effective communicators. The word “communication” comes from the Latin noun “communication”, which meant a “sharing or imparting”.
The goal of communication is “sharing”. In other words, if you do not connect with the intended recipient and impart what you have you have actually not communicated, there will be no communication. Effective organisations understand that clarity is the most crucial element to ensure effective communication.
Without clarity of communication, there are chances that you might be misunderstood. Clear communication eliminates all possibilities of confusion and miscommunication.
Take advantage of the different communication platforms to ensure that everyone in the organisation is well-informed. We know that misunderstandings frequently stem from miscommunication, thus delivering a clear common purpose and making sure that everyone is on the same boat promotes unity and progress.
Take time to assess where your organisation stands.
Has your organisation built the spirit of esprit de corps so it can stand the challenges and test of time.
It is more enjoyable and fulfilling to celebrate your success together with people who are devoted and loyal to a common goal.
Join me on Star FM on Wednesdays (09:40am-10:00am) for some moments of inspiration on the Breeze with V Candy.
Arthur Marara is a corporate law attorney, keynote speaker, corporate and personal branding speaker commanding the stage with his delightful humour, raw energy, and wealth of life experiences. He is a financial wellness expert and is passionate about addressing the issues of wellness, strategy and personal and professional development. Arthur is the author of “Toys for Adults” a thought provoking book on entrepreneurship, and “No one is Coming” a book that seeks to equip leaders to take charge. Send your feedback to greatnessclinic@gmail.com or Visit his website www.arthurmarara.com or contact him on WhatsApp: wa.me//263780055152 or call +263772467255.