We all know the power that positivity can bring to your life. At the same time, “trying to look on the bright side” 24/7 just isn’t practical. We all have bad days from time to time and moments where we need to blow off steam. The question is, “How do you create space for those negative moments in your employee’s life?”

Having a positive perspective can be either a natural reaction or a learned behavior. Knowing that it is a logical thought process that we have the ability and power to choose our attitude, why does the cliché of “it’s not what happens to you, it’s how you react to it” not make more sense in that negative moment? If you want to take steps to engage a more positive perspective, where do you begin?

Be Courageous

Encourage those on your team to go directly to the source of the frustration. Most people tend to vent to the wrong crowd. They end up not being able to emotionally support the person or have no practical way to help alleviate the situation. In order to create positive change and make progress in life, people must be courageous with complaining.

It takes courage to ask for help on the extra workload you’ve been given. It takes courage to tell your team that you felt a certain way about a recent interaction. You must know that nothing will change if you don’t have the strength to respectfully confront and be able to be confronted as well.

Replace complaints with requests and actions that will achieve your desired outcomes. If you find yourself in a situation you don’t like, either work to make it better or get out of the situation. Be aware of what frustrates you. When others bring their frustrations to you, be proactive about finding a solution that can be implemented. If someone is annoyed because meetings are canceled at the last minute, volunteer to conduct the meetings yourself if something comes up.

At the end of the day, if it’s not able to be fixed or improved, you can move on knowing that you took the initiative.

Don’t Be Passive

Some people use complaining as a passive way to ask for support. “I’m so busy” isn’t just a declarative statement.  It might be a subtle indicator that the individual feels unprepared and is concerned they are on the brink of dropping the ball (or already have). Encourage co-workers to be comfortable asking directly for what is needed. As a leader, you must foster an environment in which such requests are met with openness.

By encouraging others to take more responsibility for what they need,  it empowers them to take on more responsibility for the outcomes of their behaviors.

Change Your Words

Phrasing is important. One could complain, “I am being bombarded with emails” or they could ask for suggestions for technology tools to help achieve effective time management. One is powerless, while the other is proactive.

Set the Example

As a leader, set the example. Maintaining a positive perspective and a consistent way of being is essential. Negativity is sensed on a subconscious level, through words, feelings, and body language. If you would prefer to be around positive people and avoid negative ones, would you assume your colleagues feel the same way? People are more disposed to help us if we are positive and avoid those who broadcast negativity.

With these small changes in your attitude, your employees will notice. Soon, they will follow suit and your workplace will be excellently skilled in handling the good AND the bad that comes in life.

About Top Talent

With over 90 years of Logistics experience, Top Talent is a recognized leader in Talent Acquisition for Logistics, Transportation, and Supply Chain., Let us put our team to work for you. To learn more about successful strategies for getting those impact players and game-changers on your team, reach out to us today.

– Michael Monson
President and CEO
Top Talent LLC
Email: mike@toptalentllc.net