Managing team morale through hardship

As a business leader, how do you maintain team morale when the going is tough?  

Tell your team they always have the option to quit the job and look for something else. People are demoralised when they feel they have no choice. However, at work we always have a choice, just that sometimes we don’t realise it. Or that choice is uncomfortable. When you realise you have a choice, you are more empowered and you want to make your choice work. If you consciously choose to stay at a tough job, you put things into perspective. You know your why. If you choose to leave, that’s a liberation too. 

In tough times, choose to do what you can, instead of just being a victim of circumstances. There is always something to be gained. At worst you learn how to survive a bad situation. 

As a leader, don’t be afraid to be candid with your people.