Quote of the Week: Morale is to ...

"Morale is to material as is the ratio of three to one." Attributed to Napoleon I love this quote. Basically it is saying that what you believe, how you feel is more important than the physical resources that you have. In Napoleon's case he was talking about warfare. Situations in history abound where a smaller, out numbered and out-gunned/speared force overcame great odds to win victory. In today's political election debate the term "hope" holds promise. It is rare that people and organizations can achieve great things without holding onto hope for the future. There are exceptions. I think of the Alamo and the Americans there that held on "hoping" for reinforcements. But, in the end, they knew there were none coming, yet they fought on. This is one of those rare exceptions and a tribute to the leadership and beliefs of the men at the Alamo.

Sometime in the future I'll write about how leaders need to exhibit "false enthusiasm (FE) in the face of demoralizing circumstances. But that is for another day. In our business today we hope for the best and plan for the worst!