Negativity often occurs when people are impacted by decisions and issues that are out of their control. Examples of these include corporation downsizing, under-staffing that requires people to work mandatory overtime, budget reductions, and upper-management decisions that adversely impact staff.
1. Present Problems as Opportunities for Solutions
Whenever a problem is presented, respond with "How are we going to handle it?" People don't need to have all the answers, but they should be bringing solutions forward and thinking about them - not just complaining. If you're a supervisor, make employees part of the goal-setting process, so they won't feel like they're just being ordered around.
2. Think Positive
The biggest impact you can have on negativity is to respond to it in a way which is both proactive and positive. Think of positive and negative approaches as being like two magnetic forces. By keeping your positive approach strong and visible, you'll attract people to your end of the spectrum. In other words, you can't fight negativity with negativity.
3. Build Relationships Based on Trust
Use positive attitudes and enthusiasm to build relationships. Negative attitudes make it difficult to trust others, and without trust you can’t influence positive change. Taking action to build trust will increase comfort levels and strengthen relationships.
4. Win People to Your Way of Thinking
The only way to win an argument is to avoid it. When handled correctly, disagreements and debates are opportunities for positive change. When disagreements arise, show respect for the opinions of others, never tell someone they are wrong, and try to see things from the other point of view.
5. Disagree Agreeably
How do we do this and still have our ideas heard? Keep the lines of communication open by trying to see things from a different perspective. Take the time to really think about how the other person thinks and why they feel the way they do. People are entitled to their own opinion.
Maybe it's not as bad as people think. If you're a supervisor, help people create options, feel included, and feel part of the communication and problem solving. If you're dealing with this on a personal level, try these tips to overcome workplace negativity with enthusiasm.
1. Present Problems as Opportunities for Solutions
Whenever a problem is presented, respond with "How are we going to handle it?" People don't need to have all the answers, but they should be bringing solutions forward and thinking about them - not just complaining. If you're a supervisor, make employees part of the goal-setting process, so they won't feel like they're just being ordered around.
2. Think Positive
The biggest impact you can have on negativity is to respond to it in a way which is both proactive and positive. Think of positive and negative approaches as being like two magnetic forces. By keeping your positive approach strong and visible, you'll attract people to your end of the spectrum. In other words, you can't fight negativity with negativity.
3. Build Relationships Based on Trust
Use positive attitudes and enthusiasm to build relationships. Negative attitudes make it difficult to trust others, and without trust you can’t influence positive change. Taking action to build trust will increase comfort levels and strengthen relationships.
4. Win People to Your Way of Thinking
The only way to win an argument is to avoid it. When handled correctly, disagreements and debates are opportunities for positive change. When disagreements arise, show respect for the opinions of others, never tell someone they are wrong, and try to see things from the other point of view.
5. Disagree Agreeably
How do we do this and still have our ideas heard? Keep the lines of communication open by trying to see things from a different perspective. Take the time to really think about how the other person thinks and why they feel the way they do. People are entitled to their own opinion.
“The old saying that “success breeds success” has something to it. It’s that feeling of confidence that can banish negativity and procrastination and get you going the right way.” - Donald Trump
