Esprit de Corps

Esprit de Corps

This principle emphasized the need for team work and the maintenance of interpersonal relationships. Esprit de corps is a French phrase that translates into group spirit. The principle states that an organization must make every effort to maintain group cohesion in the organization. It notes that dividing your competition is a clever tactic, but dividing your own team is a serious error. The principle of unity of command should be observed and the dangers of divide and rule and the abuse of written communication should be avoided.

There are several ways to improving interpersonal relationships at the workplace which is vital to  understand for this principle to be in effect:

• Employees must communicate with each other effectively for a healthy relationship. Remember a problem shared is a problem halved.
• Interact with your co workers more often. Discussions must be on an open platform where every individual has the liberty to express his/her views and opinions. Written mode of communication is one of the effective ways of communicating at the workplace.. Avoid hiding things from your fellow workers. Even employees from a different team can be your friends. Talk to them. Greet them with a smile and a “Hi” whenever you meet them. An individual must not take things to heart at workplace.
• Team leaders and supervisors should conduct morning meetings with their team members. Do not make the meeting too formal. The employees should be allowed to bring their coffee mugs. Let them interact with each other. Morning meetings go a long way in breaking the ice among employees and improving interpersonal relationships at workplace.
• Do not favor any employee just because he is your relative or you know him personally. Favoritism spoils the relationship between superiors and subordinates.
• Take your team out for lunch, picnics or get together once in a while. Let the employees bring their families as well. Ask your team members to exchange contact numbers amongst themselves for them to interact with each other even after work.
• One needs to be a little more adjusting and compromising at the workplace. Don’t expect everything to be done just the way you like it. You will have all types of people around. Avoid fighting over petty things. Do not always look at the negative side of things. Accept people as they are. It is essential to look at the positive side of an individual. Being flexible at work always helps.