7 Proven Tactics Leaders Can Use to Keep Team Morale High
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This article is part of the GVL leadership essentials series that shares highly practical insights we’ve learned from experience with new leaders to help them efficiently lead and manage teams.
When I assumed the presidency of the Rotaract Club of Naivasha on a volunteer basis, we had a membership of six at one point. This situation was created by a perfect storm of factors, including members getting jobs outside Naivasha and having to move out of town.
It was a dire situation, especially because of a prevailing perception that getting members was difficult. Approximately one year later, when I was handing over to the next president, our membership was more than 30, an unbelievable achievement.
I attribute the success we had to intentional and consistent effort towards keeping team morale high in a period when it was easy to be hopeless.
My leadership experience across situations, including running multiple businesses, has taught me that as long as your team morale is healthy, the team can survive the toughest of situations and achieve success. On the other hand, when team morale fails, the team will eventually fail, no matter how favorable the situation may seem.
In this article, I will share lessons from my experience to show how leaders can keep team morale high and why it’s essential. For insights on how to start the leadership of a new team on a high note, read my article on how to turn a group into a team.
Why Is It Important to Keep Team Morale High?
I often assert that team morale is the most valuable currency any leader has – and for good reason.
Consider this passage from an article published by the American Sociological Association, “The final word regarding victory and defeat rests not on arms and equipment, nor in the way in which they are used, nor even on the principles of strategy and tactics, but on the morale of the troops. The outnumbered, ill-equipped, or even out-maneuvered may triumph if their morale is markedly superior.”
Morale is the intangible quality that brings out the best in a team.
Embodying the collective spirit, enthusiasm, and commitment of every team member, high morale instills a will to win, inspiring creative solutions for problems and resilience through tough times.
What Can You Do as a Leader to Keep Team Morale High?
A leader is not merely a figurehead—your actions, words, and decisions directly shape the emotional and operational fabric of your team. As leaders, we hold the unique power to set the tone for our teams, and that begins with an honest evaluation of what we can control and what lies beyond our reach.
I learned an invaluable lesson from a close friend, Ashley: You may not control every external circumstance, but you have complete authority over how you respond and, by extension, how your team feels.
When you focus on what you can influence—be it through consistent communication, active support during tough times, or even the simple act of being present—you create a ripple effect that uplifts the entire team.
Understanding a leader’s influence on team morale begins with the realization that leadership is about more than managing tasks; it’s about building an environment where every team member feels understood, valued, and motivated.
By consciously shaping the atmosphere, you empower your team to bring their best selves to every challenge, ensuring that even when external factors are less than ideal, the team’s spirit remains unbreakable.
Below are specific ways in which leaders can influence team morale.
1. Build the Spirit of Comradeship
If the members on your team have that feeling of not being alone, if they have that spirit of togetherness, team morale is likely to remain high no matter what challenges you’re going through.
In the article “how to turn a group into a team,” I advise leaders to take new teams out for a “cup of tea,” which helps break the ice and form the foundations of healthy team morale.
But while starting on a high note is good, you still need to be intentional about keeping team spirit high. This involves consistent action to maintain the bonds within your team.
For example, you can build team spirit by showing up with the team when one of you is sick and bed-ridden. It sends the message that “we are together.”
But it’s not just about the once-in-a-while gestures. It’s also about the day-to-day interactions with your team. Strive for everything you do with your team to send a message of togetherness.
2. Foster Inclusion and Participation
The moment someone on your team begins to feel left out, you begin losing the team morale battle.
If you visited one team member in hospital when they were sick but you didn’t visit another, they’ll remember — and it matters more than you think. You should always be conscious that your actions do not create a feeling of exclusion.
Sometimes it’s not about your actions but about the actions of your teammates. I have seen clusters form within teams when people with common interests are drawn to each other. It happens naturally and often without any intention of causing harm. But regardless of the intention, the result can be exclusion. In such an instance, you need to realize that you have a problem and find a suitable solution.
While every situation will be unique, it’s important to remember that fostering an inclusive environment is key to the team’s success.
3. Recognize and Celebrate Achievements
Acknowledgment is a potent tool in your leadership toolkit. Celebrating both major milestones and the smaller, everyday victories can transform a routine work environment into a culture of appreciation and high morale.
For example, you might consider dedicating a section in your monthly newsletter to spotlight a team member’s innovative idea. Such public recognition can boost confidence and inspire further creative contributions from the entire team.
According to the Harvard Business Review, regular recognition can boost employee engagement by as much as 60%. Whether through formal award programs, personalized thank-you notes, or even a quick shout-out during meetings, consistently celebrating achievements reinforces that every contribution counts.
4. Maintain Open Communication
Transparent and honest communication is the glue that binds a team together. Consider organizing an open roundtable discussion during challenging project phases, inviting every team member to share their concerns and ideas. This approach not only helps resolve immediate issues but also deepens trust within the team.
Leadership experts at the American Management Association (AMA) stress that an environment where feedback flows freely is vital for maintaining team spirit.
Regular check-ins, structured feedback sessions, and an open-door policy aren’t just best practices—they are essential in ensuring every team member feels heard, valued, and fully engaged.
5. Handle Conflict Without Damaging Team Morale
Conflict is natural but, if unaddressed, can devastate team morale. Leaders must address issues early by facilitating open dialogue before tensions escalate. For example, organizing a neutral discussion to allow all voices to be heard can resolve conflict and prevent small disputes from growing.
Additionally, as team leader, it helps a great deal to stay neutral in team conflicts. The team should see you as impartial. The moment you’re seen to favour one side, team morale takes a blow that will be difficult to recover from.
That said, it can be difficult to stay impartial when you are at the center of the conflict, probably because a team member is opposing your stand on an issue. Whenever you find yourself in a conflict with teammates, it’s crucial to remain level-headed. Don’t let your emotions control you because that inevitably leads to disaster.
You should also do everything in your power to prevent the conflict from getting personal.
Handled well, conflict can be an opportunity for growth, allowing leaders to strengthen team unity and resilience, and ensuring disagreements lead to mutual understanding and sustained high morale.
6. Avoid the Pitfalls of Imposing Your Will
Imposing your will on the team might secure short-term compliance, but over time it erodes trust and stifles creativity—both key drivers of high morale. Leaders who dictate decisions risk alienating team members, which can lead to disengagement and resentment.
Instead, foster a culture of collaboration. Rather than unilaterally assigning tasks, invite input through brainstorming sessions or open discussions. This approach builds a sense of ownership and reinforces mutual respect.
By balancing authority with openness, you empower your team to contribute to decision-making, ensuring that every voice is valued and team morale remains strong.
7. Maintain and “Manufacture” Momentum
Momentum is crucial for sustaining high team morale. Even when your team isn’t hitting its major goals, you can manufacture momentum by celebrating small wins, setting short-term milestones, and continuously reinforcing the broader vision.
For instance, breaking a large project into manageable, tangible objectives can demonstrate steady progress—even during challenging periods.
According to the American Management Association, regular, incremental achievements help boost morale and maintain a sense of forward motion. Similarly, Harvard Business Review notes that manufactured momentum can catalyze innovation and renewed focus, keeping the team engaged and optimistic despite temporary setbacks.
By intentionally building momentum, you empower your team to remain driven and resilient, ensuring that progress is both visible and celebrated at every step.
Sustaining Morale Through Challenges
Challenging times test even the most resilient teams. When facing adversity—whether from economic pressures, organizational changes, or external crises—the key is to stay grounded in your vision and communicate transparently.
Begin by openly discussing the challenges at hand and outlining a clear, actionable plan that addresses both short-term obstacles and long-term goals. This honesty not only builds trust but also reinforces the team’s commitment to overcoming difficulties together.
Encouraging collaboration and shared problem-solving can transform obstacles into opportunities. For instance, organizing brainstorming sessions can help your team generate creative solutions and foster a sense of unity.
It’s also important to support your team emotionally. Regular check-ins and small gestures of recognition can remind team members that their efforts are valued, even when results aren’t immediately visible.
By balancing transparency with empathy, you help maintain high morale and inspire your team to persevere despite setbacks.
GVL offers basic leadership and management training to both individuals and organizations. Contact us to equip yourself or your team with the skills necessary to lead successfully across situations
