#3 Dealing with Negativity in the Workplace

As a conflict resolution consultant and accountability coach I help my clients reduce conflict in the workplace to improve their working condition.

Have you wondered how to deal with that negative employee or customer? Have you wondered how to successfully do this without a lot of drama? If so…this article is just for you!

My message is very clear on this topic:

• Everyone is responsible for the morale of the team… not just leaders.
• Both leaders and employees need to speak to negative people on how the negativity impacts morale in the office.

You will read a phrase that I write in every article…

• “You get what you tolerate!”
• If you are tired of negativity and you don’t say anything…  “You get what you tolerate!”
• You need to do something for things to change.

I’m sure you know people who train their brain to focus only on negative things. Constant complaining stops problem solving & perpetuates a culture of being stuck and not moving forward.

I heard an interview with a pilot who flew with the blue angels. The blue angels fly their jets only18 inches apart. The interviewer asked…”How do you do so well?” The pilot said, “We practice, practice, practice.” The interviewer asked “Why don’t you crash?”The pilot responded, “We don’t practice crashing!”

Here’s a tip that can help you deal with those negatoids:

Forget about asking that person how he or she is doing. You will only get complaints about the weather, economy or traffic. Ask the negative person “What is something good that happened to you today?” This tip forces the negative person to think of something different to say.  It takes discipline to focus on the good things!

I hope that this tip will help you deal with negativity in your workplace. My next article will give you tips on how to remove silos at work.

Until next time, this is Joyce Weiss and remember, “You get what you tolerate!”

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