Thursday; October 10

While there are certain professions that tend to breed negativity, just about any environment can become toxic.  Whether it is an office, family, church or classroom; unless we are committed to keeping a positive attitude things can become negative in a hurry.  Few of us want to be involved in something like this, but what can we do (especially if we are leaders) to help keep things positive?  Here are a few principles:
1.  Empathy – When we practice and promote the ability to see things from another person’s perspective we will be able create a culture of mutual respect.  When people feel understood, they are more apt to be satisfied with their environment and the people around them.
2.  Encouragement – People will respond well to those who make it a point to keep them uplifted.  When we (sincerely) praise people’s efforts and celebrate their successes there will be less jealousy and selfishness.  No, it isn’t about false praise or manipulation, it’s about helping everyone feel good about themselves. 
3.  Eradication – It is wonderful when we are able to build a positive team, but there are times when some people just don’t want to be team players.  When they refuse to go along with the program of positivity, we might be able to take the time to persuade them, but eventually there comes a time when the cancer needs to be removed.  Depending upon the environment, this may mean walking away from a friendship, dismissing an employee or isolating a student; but something needs to be done.  No one deserves to be made to feel unhappy by the “one bad apple”.  It is nice when people buy into our sense of positivity, but when they don’t it is time to move on without them.
          Life is too short to have to endure a toxic environment.  It doesn’t have to be that way, but we must have the courage to stand up to the source of the problem.
         Think About It!

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