A Negative Office Can Be Your Chance to Lead

How you handle the challenges of negative people may impact your future as a leader

Do you know how you appear to others at work? What is your attitude day in and day out in the office? How do you respond when others around you are stuck in negativity?

Consider now how you have been in conversation around the office the last while. Are you always positive, or do you grumble with others about the direction of the company or the actions of your bosses? It’s easy in moments of being tired or frustrated to lower yourself and gripe with others and share in the collective misery of a dysfunctional team.

There is of course a better route to take. No matter what your true opinions might be, it is always important to be a positive force in the office - or under the worst circumstances a neutral one. Sometimes you may agree with your colleagues, or you may support the company or management that they are beginning to disagree with - in either case you have an opportunity to shine through as a leader and earn everyone’s respect.

Joining in on the negative chat brings momentary relief, but you earn no respect even from the most hardened complainers in the organization. To join them may bring a feeling of camaraderie, but nothing about your actions makes you stand out. At best you will be accepted, but not respected.

However, if you take the high road and look to put a positive spin on things, or even remain neutral, you will earn the respect of your peers. I do not suggest parroting the company line under difficult circumstances. Rather, you should have a clear and honest opinion of your own, and to focus on the positive values that you stand for.

For example, if your firm has hired a new executive that in their enthusiasm is making life hard for many, there is sure to be discontent. She may have come forward with many new ideas and initiatives that, combined with old responsibilities, have increased everyone’s workload. People complain. People wonder about the wisdom of the hire.

To join in on the complaints is the easy route. It leaves you as one of many. To simply say what your boss might want - a ringing endorsement of the new executive and all her plans - also has little merit. It will be seen as insincere and designed to promote your own career. The alternative? Stand by your values and represent them only. That might mean simply leaving the room when the negative chat begins. It might mean listening to your colleagues - many of whom are your friends - showing that you care about them even if you don’t choose to agree with them. But you might also choose to share some feelings, standing by your values. Focus on how you can accomplish what is asked of you - giving the new person the benefit of the doubt, as you would all want if you were in her situation. Find a few good ideas she has brought forth and chat about them. Offer to help your colleagues manage the new workload.

You might even believe everything that is being said by others, but to spend your time on the good will make you a leader. It may sway a few folks to a more positive direction. What is leader if not a person who ensures that the important is achieved, no matter how difficult or unpopular it might be? Your position in the face of office negativity is an opportunity to try on the mantle of leadership. Be a leader by helping the situation, don’t join the chorus of the disenfranchised.

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