The Workplace Therapist » I’m Negative

“I’m negative”

“I’m negative”

Are you suffering from a severe case of negativity? Are you a “glass half empty” kinda person? Do people generally tell you that you are a total “buzz-kill” to be around? If the answer to those questions is “yes,” then this month is for you. And unlike many past dysfunctions we’ve taken on, negativity is a different type of dysfunction for many reasons. First, with most traditional workplace dysfunctions, the problem is often someone else … Read entire article »

Filed under: Dysfunction of the Month, I'm Negative, Managing Myself – Personal and Professional Growth

Has your negativity gone too far?

Has your negativity gone too far?

What are the signs your negativity has tipped too far? There are several warning signs that I plan on sharing, but before I do, I had a negativity moment over the weekend that has stuck with me. On Saturday morning, I was in the drive thru line at McDonald’s, picking up breakfast for my family when it happened. The car in front of me pulled forward so, naturally, I inched my car ahead to take … Read entire article »

Filed under: I'm Negative, Managing Myself – Personal and Professional Growth, Managing Professional Relationships

My workplace is negative

My workplace is negative

I get it. The last several years have been tough. “Do more with less… there won’t be any raises this year… you are lucky to have a job… we may have to close our doors tomorrow…” Working day-in and day-out under these conditions can get to anyone. A therapist colleague told me a story that I think captures this sentiment perfectly. Several years ago he had a client who was in a highly toxic, negative and … Read entire article »

Filed under: I'm Negative, Leading People & Organizations, Managing Professional Relationships

Be thankful

Be thankful

The last few months we’ve tackled the dysfunction of “negativity.” As we conclude this series and start a new dysfunction (and year for that matter), I can’t think of a more appropriate time for the prescription. There is perhaps no better antidote to negativity than healthy and regular doses of “thankfulness.” Seems too simple, huh? Let me explain. “People’s brains have a ‘negativity bias’” In recent WSJ article on smarter ways to discipline children, a quote from … Read entire article »

Filed under: I'm Negative, Managing Myself – Personal and Professional Growth, Managing Professional Relationships