Negativity

Workplace negativity is like a contagious disease. It saps people's energy, and precious time and resources need to be channelled to handle it instead of to something more deserving.

I know someone who seems to be the epitome of negativity and despair. As a brief introduction, she belongs to a support department. So obviously one of her job responsibilities is to support others, yes? But when some tasks had to be done, she refused to do them and pushed them to someone else. Not only that - she even said, "We help everyone, but who help us?"

In the past, she even posted on her msn: "Feel like quitting. Just feel like quitting." My first thought was, "Then quit?" Far better for her to quit and find a new (and happier) job then to stay, complain, and spread her negativity. However, I seriously doubt that she can be happy elsewhere, unless she is willing to change herself. Contrary to popular belief, our internal thoughts can change the environment - but too many people let the environment control our internal self.

"Dwelling on the negativity simply contributes to its power." - Michael Pritchard