In the workplace, there are countless things that can get in the way of productivity: limited time, divided attention, interruptions, the list goes on.
But have you ever stopped to consider how negativity in the workplace might be impacting your performance? This may be a ‘fuzzy’ factor, but employees are more likely to perform well in an environment in which they are comfortable, feel valued as a team member, derive personal satisfaction, and receive positive reinforcement for a job well done. While it is easy to consider yourself a victim if you find yourself in a negative work environment, the truth of the matter is that you have the power to change the attitude that you bring to the table. And that attitude has the power to change the mood of the entire office.
Whether you are a manager or support staff, you have an opportunity to create a more positive work environment. My organization recently hosted its first national conference, and one of the speakers lead a workshop on creating a positive workplace. During her session, she asked participants to look at a list of positive attributes, and pick three that they felt best described them. Once we had all done that and had our list in mind, she asked us to look at the list again and pick the three attributes we thought our coworkers might most closely associate with us. We were then asked if these two lists matched up, and if they didn’t, why? She emphasized that we should project the positive image of ourselves that we want to be, and once we do others will start to respond. Did someone handle a customer well or stay an extra half hour to finish a project? Maybe they are simply wearing a new pair of glasses? Let them know that you noticed. This may lead them to take the time to notice someone else.
For this same conference, we also handed out evaluations, and in the written comments, someone made mention of a
TED talk given by Simon Sinek on how great leaders inspire action. In his TED talk, he sites examples of how the most successful people and companies are the ones that have the most buy in from employees and the community. Why did the Wright Brothers and their team fly before anyone else? Because they had a reason why they were working on the project and everyone involved believed in it. Mr. Sinek’s discussion allows us to take our conversation one step further.
Not only is it healthier for employees to feel comfortable and valued in the workplace, but they should also be aware of the goals of the organization and believe in them. After all, it can be difficult to convince customers/clients to use your services or buy your goods if you’re not convinced yourself.
No workplace is going to be perfect (if you have found the perfect workplace, please share the secret to your success), and there are times when you will feel frustrated. However, in these situations it is important to remember that
change starts with you, and that it’s easier to get others on board when you are all working toward the same goals.
This guest post comes from Shannon Greenwell in Cambridge, MA.
Shannon holds a Master's Degree in City Planning and currently works as a
Project Manager for the National Rural Transit Assistance Program (a
program of the Federal Transit Administration) which provides
technical assistance to rural and tribal transit operators across the
country.
