During the 2+ decades I spent as a fighter pilot and leader in the United States Air Force, I learned that esprit de corps is the lifeblood of every high-performing team. That intangible spirit of unity, enthusiasm, and devotion to a common cause is the key to elevating teams to an exceptional level. I’ve seen firsthand how esprit de corps can transform a group of individuals into a cohesive team that’s unstoppable. It pushes them beyond just working together to believing in one another, pushing each other beyond perceived limits, and sharing an unwavering commitment to excellence in all they do. To help your team reach the heights of success, it is vital to build up esprit de corps.
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"All for one, and one for all."
~from THE THREE MUSKETEERS by Alexandre Dumas |
Build Esprit de Corps
To build true esprit de corps within your team, start with a clear, compelling mission. Every team member should not only hear it but fully understand their role in achieving it. When people see how their contributions fit into the bigger picture, they feel a sense of purpose and motivation.
Beyond a shared mission, strong teams are grounded in shared values. These values act as the guiding principles that shape decision-making, behavior, and culture. When a team aligns around core values—whether it's integrity, accountability, or perseverance—they create a sense of belonging and trust that strengthens their unity. Shared values ensure that, even in times of challenge or uncertainty, the team remains cohesive and moving in the same direction in complete alignment.
Next, create intentional opportunities for bonding. Strong relationships don’t happen by chance—team-building exercises, shared challenges, and open conversations help forge trust and camaraderie. When adversity arises, these connections will be the glue that keeps the team strong.
Finally, lead by example. Recognize individual contributions, celebrate team successes, and foster a culture of mutual respect. When people feel valued and supported, they give their best not just for themselves, but for the collective success of the team. A team united by mission, values, and trust isn’t just stronger—they’re unstoppable.
The Power of Esprit de Corps
Esprit de corps propels teams forward so they can soar beyond the ordinary to the extraordinary. The power of unity that comes from embracing a mission together, forming bonds based on trust, aligning on shared values, and rallying with enthusiasm to achieve one goal is remarkable. It even benefits others, radiating outward to inspire and influence people outside of your team. In the military, fostering esprit de corps created a culture of unity that kept people safe, boosted morale, and strengthened resilience. But it is foundational to all successful teams. Esprit de corps is unity in action.
