Morale

Morale is simply the attitude you have about work. Good morale means people are satisfied with their jobs and are willing to commit to the success of the company.

With poor morale, people feel like the company is an adversary, and are reluctant to engage in much more that the minimum tasks necessary to keep their jobs.

Many managers and executives don’t recognize the importance of morale to Lean success. Fully engaged employees are critical to achieving any degree of greatness in Lean.

It is possible to make improvements through Lean with a low-morale workforce, but it will take hands-on leadership that verges on micromanagement. But if you want employees to take the reins and willingly contribute on their own, it is impossible without strong morale.