Overcoming Negativity in Business

Sometimes it’s difficult to keep morale up in business especially in a struggling economy.  Many young entrepreneurs might find it easy to get down on themselves if they don’t start achieving their business goals quickly.  Negativity can spread through the workplace like a virus if you don’t nip it in the bud right away.  This can cause low morale, high tension and lead to lower productivity, confidence and enthusiasm out of employees creating lower job performance.  It can also lead to dissatisfaction amongst employees which can lead to greater turnover.  Even the slightest bit of negativity in the workplace can lead to disruption and make an entrepreneur take his or her eyes of the long-term business goals they are seeking to achieve.  Complaining, bad mouthing and hostility can all be contagious if allowed to spread.  So how to avoid negativity in business?

The best way to avoid negativity in the business environment is to produce a sense of positivity from the top.  Make sure your managers and those in higher level roles set a good example of positive behavior for employees.  Your efforts for stopping negativity in the workplace should begin at the top.

Keep communication with employees positive and set an example from the top.  Try countering negative statements by pointing out positive ones.  Oftentimes, this can spur more positive thinking from others.

Lay down the law early.  Make sure to let your employees know that negativity is unacceptable.  Don’t give them the impression that it is OK to act in a negative manner by allowing them to constantly criticize or display defeat.  Try to spin all their negative reactions into positive ones.  For example, if an employee says: “There’s no way we can get this done on time,” counter with, “Let’s figure out how we can get this done on time.”

Let your employees know that you expect their actions to be positive ones.  Encourage them to resolve conflict with others rather than just being complacent or griping about it.

Consider evaluating your employees on a regular basis.  Let them know they will have monthly or quarterly reviews.  This might foster them to get along with and cooperate with others if they know they are being graded accordingly.  If they know they are being evaluated on how they collaborate with coworkers, they might be less likely to exhibit negative behaviors.

Don’t indulge complaining.  Foster a can-do attitude in the workplace.  Turn problems into problem-solving discussions.  Think about thoroughly listening to employee complaints so you can address them right away and not let them fester.  Get them to take action by asking for their suggestions and give strong consideration to what they say.  If you don’t end up using their input, explain why and show them that you appreciate their efforts to help maximize performance through their feedback.  By doing so, you’ll show them that you take them seriously and it will encourage them to take a more active approach to problem solving instead of just continuing to complain.

Don’t indulge negative employees.  Don’t focus so much energy on trying to turn them around.  If they really can’t produce in a positive way, it might be time to let them go.  You don’t want to reward them by giving them too much attention.  “You don’t want to risk making your more positive employees feel neglected because you’re spending so much time and energy trying to rein in the negativity.”  Show your appreciation to employees that have a positive, can-do attitude.

Give positive recognition and give it often.  Feedback to your employees is critical.  It’s critical to their behaviors and the attitudes they bring with them to the office.  It leads to better job performance and a healthier working environment.  Reward positive thinkers.  Don’t constantly give negative feedback.  While you still want to be honest with employees and point out things they can improve upon, constant criticism breeds negativity.  It’s important that you remind your employees that their contributions are important and make a difference in helping your company grow and succeed and reach its goals.

Consider asking your employees for direct feedback on how to make the workplace more positive, enjoyable and less filled with tension.  Consider using a suggestion box or anonymous survey.  Hold weekly or monthly meetings where you allow employees to voice their opinions and give suggestions on how the team can be more positive and what it will take from management to get them there.  “By utilizing employees’ ideas on what gives them job satisfaction, you may be able to turn their negative feelings about their jobs into positive ones.”

If you’re dealing with a single negative employees, ask questions to determine whether there is something in particular in the workplaces that is troubling or frustrating to them so you can nip it in the bud right away.  It’s always important to hear your employees’ side of the story before proceeding so that you can work towards a solution.  Give them goals with timeliness and consequences if those goals are not met.  Inform your employees that it is in their best interests to change negative behaviors or they may face disciplinary action.  Follow through on what you say.  Show them that consequences for negative behaviors are real.

If you take the advice I’ve given above, you might find that you will foster a more positive workplace environment and increase positivity amongst your employees.  While it’s easy for entrepreneurs to get down on themselves if their goals are not being achieved right away, don’t take it out on your employees or you risk them becoming negative.  Foster a positive environment and positivity from employees will follow.  Always make sure to address negativity directly, quickly and with a strong hand.  Weeding out negativity in business will more effectively help you reach your business goals.

Here are some articles you might want to check out about overcoming negativity in business:

“10 Ways to Overcome Negative Vibes among Your Staff”: http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/34174/10-ways-to-overcome-negative-vibes-among-your-staff

“No Whining! 5 Ways to Overcome Negativity at Work”: http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/30767/no-whining-5-ways-to-overcome-negativity-at-work

“How to Overcome Negativity in the Workplace”: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/overcome-negativity-workplace-11532.html

“Feeling Negative? How to Overcome It”: http://www.inc.com/geoffrey-james/how-to-handle-negative-emotions-at-work.html

Until next time…