We hope to get this season.
ESPRIT DE CORPS
And Why it Builds Successful Companies
By H. F. HARMAN, Land Commissioner
THE literal meaning of “Esprit de Corps” denotes the common spirit pervading the members of a body or association of persons.
It implies sympathy, enthusiasm, devotion, and jealous regard for the honor of the organization as a whole.
This French phrase was the unwritten but ever present motto or slogan which finally brought about the successful termination of the war for the Allies.
Read slowly the interpretation of the phrase and you will realize its tremendous import when faithfully, persistently exercised.
This is the spirit which, for the past 250 years, has animated so many loyal officials and servants of the “Governor and Company of Adventurers of England Trading into Hudson Bay.” Let this generation see to it that we do not become indifferent to this very essential and necessary characteristic.
This spirit should prevail throughout the Company’s service in the Dominion and elsewhere, and when difficulties and differences of opinion arise, as they always will in the natural course of our everyday pursuits, let us all, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, in towns, cities and the farthest interior, just remember to say to ourselves “Esprit de Corps, under all circumstances,” or, as the Governor put it during his recent visit to Canada, “pour a little oil on the machinery when it does not run perfectly and smoothly.” (It’s the only lubricant available these days.)