Have you noticed? There’s more negativity in the workforce these days than there should be. Even if that’s not true where you work, you don’t want negative behavior or negative attitudes to creep in and spoil a good situation.

Negativity wastes energy, time, talent—and so much momentum can be lost because of a negative attitude. Relationships suffer, stress and tension prevail, opportunities slide away. What an unnecessary use of resources.

By comparison, a positive work environment fosters a productive and enjoyable place to work. Leaders who succeed in creating this kind of environment earn loyalty and respect.

Leadership Tip
Proactively take steps to create and maintain a positive work environment.  

Often, people look for the worst instead of start with their best intentions. Uncooperative, even hostile, environments are created by reading unintended negative intent into others’ behaviors or communications.

What actions can you take to counter negativity at work? Here are five ideas:

• As soon as you hear rumors, eliminate them quickly.
• Use positive language that’s encouraging and uplifting.
• Compliment others in a genuine, sincere way.
• Celebrate all wins, even the small ones.
• Practice putting a positive spin on everything negative.

Also, don’t assume negative intent on others. Refuse to spend much time wallowing in a negative environment.

What can you do? Determine where the negativity comes from and even empathize with it, but don’t give in to it. Instead, take action aimed to eliminate it.