Navigating the Negativity Zone
Have you ever had the experience of working with someone who's slipped into the "negativity zone?" With the challenges of the modern workplace, it is easy for someone to slip into a "negativity zone" - a mindset ruled by pessimism, fault-finding, and criticism. For some people, it's all bad news. Nothing will please them. They can find fault in anything. The sky is always falling. If there's no real crisis, they'll manufacture one. It could help them feel better about themselves. They need constant attention and will do anything to get it. Occasionally, I run across people struggling with this, and it causes me to pause, think carefully, and consider how I might best support them. This negativity zone is a trap. When someone is in the negativity zone, they aren't in the right mindset to do great work.
“Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain—and most fools do. But it takes character and self-control to understand and forgive.”
When facing challenges, it's understandable how some may adopt pessimistic thinking patterns. It's not the person; it's their mindset and behavior. These behaviors can affect everyone in the organization. It causes tension, reduces communication, decreases teamwork, and causes damage that lies beneath the surface. The negativity zone is a massive waste of time and energy.
The good news is that anyone in this zone can find their way out with improved self-awareness. Awareness is key. Get out of that zone quickly and into a better mindset. Focus on the positive. Focus on the things you can do to help the organization improve. Focus on what you can influence and control positively. A little optimism is an excellent thing. Gratitude is worth its weight in gold. And curiosity is always a plus.
One of the most important things I've learned from working with my clients is that everyone can do something to improve the organization. Improving the organization is a much better use of one's time. That is how organizations transform from being dysfunctional to being a high-performance organization. With support and understanding, we can all help make this happen.
Two things are required, though: (1) they have to want to, and (2) they must be willing. Unfortunately, not everyone has the desire and willingness. This simple framework helps identify those in alignment with a positive future.
What will you focus on today? How will you help others who may be struggling?
Yours in sincere optimism, gratitude, and curiosity.
Cheers,
Greg
PS. Let's do great things together! Feel free to reach out if I can help your organization. You may also be interested in checking out my book, "Awaken Optimism: 366 Meditations for Making Each Day Amazing"