Negativity sucks the energy out the work environment, especially if your job requires collaboration with a pessimistic colleague. Ignoring the negativity may work temporarily, but eventually you need a strategy for dealing with your colleague. Without a defense mechanism, you may find negative thoughts taking over your mind and decreasing your productivity at the office.
Negativity can be so overwhelming that you forget your colleague has positive attributes. Instead of only focusing on his attitude, consider why your colleague may have such a negative outlook. He may suffer from low self-esteem or depression. Some people develop a negative attitude after hardships or disappointments in life. Others turn pessimistic when they are unhappy with their careers, face job instability or don't feel appreciated at the office. Understanding his motivation for being negative may help you better deal with him. Show empathy toward his situation to find a connection that may ease the negativity. Discuss the effect his negativity has on the office as a whole, focusing on finding a solution rather than criticizing him.
Instead of dismissing all of a negative employee's concerns with a project, explore them further to determine if there is some credibility. In some cases, the negative point of view may help you identify valid problems with the project. By taking the criticisms seriously, you will be able to plan for or avoid potential obstacles. By showing appreciation to the negative employee for her insight and staying positive, you can help her learn how to channel her fears in a productive manner.
Emphasize the Positive
A pessimistic person often gets caught up in a negative attitude. No matter how much he brings the office down, find a positive trait or accomplishment and let him know about it. At first he is likely to blow off your compliments, but continuing to give him honest, positive feedback may help over time. If you are in a management role, use a recognition program for all of your employees to create a more motivational and positive workplace.
A general negative attitude in a colleague won't go away overnight. Even if she does make progress, you are still likely to encounter negativity at times. Learn to detach yourself emotionally from the negative situation so she doesn't affect your attitude. Your own enthusiasm and positivity can help improve the overall attitude in the office. You'll also show the negative employee that she won't get a reaction out of you if that is what she wants.