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Fighting Negative Influences in Your Work Area
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Q: My boss shows favoritism in my workplace. He socializes with a couple of the guys in our area and even though they are not the “workers” in our department, they get to come and go as they please and stand in for him when he’s gone. It is really affecting morale in the rest of our work crew. What can we do?
A: The worst thing about a situation like this is it sends the message to the hardest workers, that their hard work will not be acknowledged or rewarded. Now some with strong work ethics will continue their efforts because putting forth less effort is not an option for them, but their morale will nose dive. Other workers will back off, only doing what they have to do. Feelings of discouragement and frustration will build, and an “us against them” mentality instead of a team or family feeling will prevail. This is a bad situation for an organization, because eventually the best performers will leave and the system will be left with under performers. The long term result will be an organization that can’t keep up in our highly competitive markets due to a lack of creativity and productivity.
If upper management operates the same way as your manager, there is not much hope for change. This means there is a high tolerance for this management behavior and you will not be heard if you go to someone above your supervisor. Possibly, you could create more problems for yourself. If you have new upper management or you think your supervisor has gotten away with showing favoritism because no one knows, it might be worth a try to approach upper management professionally. By professionally, I mean with the documented facts and with documentation of when and how you have tried to communicate with your direct supervisor about the problem. Good luck!
Q: I have a co-worker who is constantly talking to me about negative subjects, whether it’s her home life or picking at our co-workers. I think it is really bringing me down and I just don’t know what to do about it. Any ideas?
A: Negativity is toxic. It’s just like exposure to a harmful chemical in the air or on our food. Our bodies can tolerate some exposure without getting sick, but too much exposure can produce cancer or other illnesses. We are what we think and our thoughts are influenced by those around us. Whatever you need to do to lessen your exposure to this person’s negative thoughts will help you. You may also want to counter the impact of what you still end up hearing by putting positive thoughts or encouraging messages on paper and keep them where you can read them regularly. (Remember, don’t take on changing him or her.)
Here are some other ideas for you to consider:
Take five minute walks a few times a day around your work area or the building. This energy burst will clear your mind and energize your body, making positive thoughts easier to access.
If your job allows, use headphones during down times or breaks. There are great books on tape, some funny and inspirational. Have these available, instead of an ear for your co-worker’s negativity.
Tell the person(s) you have decided to focus on the positives at your workplace and that if you seem more quiet or actually walk away when negative talk occurs, that’s why.
Make sure you are a part of contributing to positive energy by bringing up better subjects to discuss and encouraging the positive behaviors in those around you.
By Rebecca R. Mild-Williams
Licensed Professional Counselor
Certified Employee Assistance Professional
INTEGRIS Corporate Assistance Program
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INTEGRIS Corporate Assistance Program
4900 N. Portland, Suite 111
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
405.947.2688Toll Free
800.677.2729 |
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