How to Deal with a Negative Work Environment
06/01/15
Throughout your career, you will most certainly interact with people who think differently to you, act differently from you and have very different personalities.
You may have heard the saying, “you can choose your friends but not your family”. Well, to some extent this may also apply to your work colleagues.
Even though you may love the company you work for and your position, be prepared – you might not get along with some people in the business.
Here are some tips on how you can remain positive in a negative work environment:
Listen to understand
Many people get frustrated when they feel that they are not taken seriously or their thoughts are not being considered. If you disagree with a team member, it’s very important that you listen to understand and not just listen to respond. Instead of saying things like “you are wrong” or “that just won’t work”, try and be positive if the other person appears frustrated. If you just shut that person down straight away, you will make them feel less creditable.
Be open minded and ask open ended and probing questions to better understand their reasoning behind why they have suggested the idea. If you are going to disagree, you can instead say “thanks for sharing that, I can see you raised some good points. How will your idea work if…” This will show that not only have you listened to their ideas but you have also implemented it in your mind, processed it and have shown some interest as to why it can work.
Business as usual
When you are in a negative work environment, it is important that you stay focused on work priorities as it is very easy to get side tracked. Remind yourself why you come to work and why you love working for that company.
It is okay to feel uneasy at times due to the situation. People who are negative often thrive off the attention from others for their negativity. If you are to interact with a person who is negative, try and stay focused on the work at hand and approach the person by being happy, professional and open minded.
Be solution focused
It’s hard to keep passion and emotion out of your reactions when you are faced with a negative situation. Make sure you do the above two steps but then also come up with a solution as well. Being solution focused will lead you back to the business at hand and it will decrease the opportunity of unnecessary arguments. Also last but not least, it’s important that you don’t take things personally when people don’t agree with you.
Are you not happy at work or your placement is not as expected? Speak to your Placement Consultant about any concerns you may have – they are always here to help you and make sure your enjoying your Work Integrated Learning Program.
