A negative person can vitiate a workplace if
ignored for long. An organisation needs to be vigilant to identify the source
of such an attitude. It should then put together corrective measures. Else,
negativity will spread rapidly, damaging long-term and short-term interests. ET
suggests ways to root it out.
Identify the contagion
An organisation must be watchful of contagions
— people who display negative emotions. Issues related to work, supervisor or
team members might be bothering them. "Giving them meaningful, exciting
work that will enable them to make a real contribution to the team can help
turn them from whiners to winners," says Rahul Kulkarni, HR head at
Accelya Kale Solution.
Pick out negative people early
Identify contagions early. For this, one needs
to be close to their team members. 'One should be able to sniff out negativity
even before it becomes evident. For this, one must go with gut and
spontaneity,' says Rajita Singh, head of human resources, Broadridge Financial
Solutions.
Listen to everyone
At times, lending an ear helps in removing
negativity within a team. 'Be inclusive, allow people to provide inputs, bring
in perspectives and acknowledge them without a bias. Be grateful to them for
their valued contribution. After all gratefulness is an antidote for the spirit
called negativity,' says Varun Khanna, managing director — BD India.
Be firm in extreme cases
In cases where negativity spreads rapidly, a
team leader must take firm steps to get rid of the rot. 'Make it abundantly
clear that negativity and gossiping will not be tolerated. When team members
know that some behaviours are frowned upon, fewer members might be inclined to
practice them,' says Kulkarni.
Create a positive team
As a leader, one must encourage as well as
exhibit a positive attitude. Appreciate every small success. Focusing on a few
members can create negative vibes among those who are seldom in the limelight.
Also appreciate the people who create positive energy and infuse positivity
into the work environment.
Courtesy:- Prachi Verma, ET Bureau,
Source:-The Economic Times
