Be positive.
Period.
This week's
blog has been particularly tough to write. Not because I do not see myself as
positive, far from it. I am super-duper positive...
Okay fine, I
am not in the Pollyanna and Noddy category, but I would not describe myself as
sceptic, pessimistic or negative. A client even called me 'realistic' this
week, which in some people's view is very close to cynical. He meant 'not
idealistic'.
So here is
the challenge I am grappling with: the positive vs. the negative. All of it,
energy, influences, vibes, personas,
auras, you name it - the stuff people project, say, do. All of it.
In my daily
dealings with hectically heavy emotions and complex loaded decisions, I do find
it tough. How do you manage the stuff we see, feel, experience - consciously or
not? How do you ensure you do not get sucked in? Or as a wise client put it,
how do you not lose your joy?
There are
lots of research done on the effect of positive/negative energy on groups,
organisations and business, and then subsequently on the bottom-line. So apart
from the obvious reason to 'protect' yourself and actively manage your own
state or mind-set, it is phenomenally important to business success.
I was a
little amused earlier this week when a comment was made that my reaction
towards the disciplinary behaviour of a colleague at a client was
"unexpectedly harsh". You see, people often see my role as soft, bringing the empathy, feeling and support.
And yes, that is part of it, but I cannot tolerate non-contributive negativity.
It is just bad. Negativity sucks the life out of everything: individuals taking
initiative, team cohesiveness, a collaborative culture. Everything.
Please do
not get me wrong, I am not talking about having to deal with difficult and
uncomfortable emotions. As taxing as that might be, it serves a purpose. It is
usually very necessary. It contributes. Negativity does not contribute. It
blames, complains, stirs without contribution. It is toxic.
Now that I
have said my bit, here is what you could do about negativity: If it is your
mind-set - stop and change. If it is around you - get out, avoid it, protect
yourself, change it. But allowing it is destructive, and that is unacceptable.
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