71% of leaders say that engaged, happy employees are pivotal to their company's success, and according to a Gallup survey, companies with highly engaged workforces are as much as 21% more profitable. However, as many as 33% of those polled in a 2018 Korn Ferry Survey reported leaving their jobs as a result of boredom. While 33% isn't necessarily the majority, it's a considerable number.

While the data can be daunting to review, with the right approach, a strong and authentic leader can lead their team through these periods of low morale and help them get their motivation back.

Approach every interaction with transparency

An authentic leader is one who leads with honesty. Those who aren't afraid to be vulnerable and admit when they're wrong are the ones who earn trust from their peers and their employees.

When it comes to company success, it's important to remain transparent, keeping in mind that people can generally sense when something isn't going well. Sugarcoating internal struggles or approaching interactions with team members while adopting an "act as-if" attitude is inauthentic, at best, and is more likely to produce an even lower level of morale.

Adopt a "team-first" attitude in meetings

While numbers are an important part of any business meeting, they shouldn't be the first focus when gathering as a team. That's especially true when morale is low and the team needs some extra motivation.

Instead, start meetings out by focusing on attendees. Open up the floor and give them the opportunity to share successes or ask for input from peers before getting into data. This goes beyond simply boosting team morale and can go a long way in creating a collaborative attitude and an overall sense of shared ownership throughout the team.

Give employees ample opportunities for open discussion

Whether a discussion with an employee is disciplinary in nature or not, an authentic, motivating leader takes the time to give their employee a chance to speak their mind. Instead of lecturing, the best approach is often to ask open-ended questions to gauge how the employee is feeling, why they feel that way and what improvements can be made to boost their morale and increase overall team productivity.

According to a study published by MITSloan, employees who are regularly encouraged to speak out about workplace issues and given a safe space to air grievances are happier and more successful at work.

Leading through periods of low morale requires openness and authenticity

Engaged employees are happy employees and the best way to engage teams, especially in times of low morale, is by maintaining open, honest lines of communication that goes both ways.