Organization Improvement

Turning Around Negative Attitudes

At one time or another, organizations develop an over-abundance

of "negative energy" or attitudes. Sometimes they can be linked

to organizational trauma, like down-sizing, budget restraints

or workload increases, but sometimes they evolve over time

with no apparent triggering event. The negative organization

is characterized by increased complaining, a focus on reasons

why things can't be done, and what seems to be a lack of hope

that things will get better. It feels like the organization in

stuck in treacle. And, it's contagious. Negativism can affect

even the most positive employees.

What can you do? Based on an article by Arthur Beck and

Ellis Hillmar, professors in organization development at

University of Richmond, we suggest the following:

Model Positive Behaviour

It is obvious that if management is walking negative and

talking in a negative way, staff will follow. Don't do it.

More than that, take a positive approach with staff by

showing confidence in their abilities. Expect a lot,

support staff, hold them accountable, confront them and

be clear and honest. Set standards for your own work

and relations with employees, and work towards meeting

them to set an example of positive behaviour.

Acknowledge Negativity

You can't ignore negativity and expect it to go away.

If you do not acknowledge it, then staff will feel that you

are out of touch, and will not be confident in your abilities.

Acknowledge the frustration negative feelings, and do

not try to convince the person or people that they

shouldn't have their negative feelings. However, when

acknowledging employees' negative feelings, try asking

for suggestions regarding what to do about them.

Look For And Identify The Positives In All Situations

Sometimes we forget to find positives. When an employee

makes an impractical solution, we are quick to dismiss the

idea. We should be identifying the effort while gently

discussing the idea. Look for small victories, and talk

about them. Turning a negative organization into a

positive one is a result of thousands of little actions.

Give Positive Recognition Often

Pretty straight-forward. Provide positive recognition as

soon as you find out about good performance.

Do not couple positive strokes with suggestions

for improvement. Separate them. Combining them

devalues the recognition for many people.

Refrain From Collusion On Negativity

It is easy to get caught in the general complaining and

bitching, particularly in informal discussions. When faced

with negative conversations, consider changing the subject,

comment on the negative content ("Let's talk about

something more pleasant"), or ask what can be done

about the situation (move from negative to positive slant).