I used to hang around the complainers at work. You know the type I’m talking about, no matter what happens there’s always something negative to talk about. It could be raises and they’ll talk about how small it is, or how infrequent it is or how it wasn’t distributed properly.
Oh you don’t fool me Mr. Mad Man!
It could be a party and they’ll be complaining about how crappy the food is. It really doesn’t matter what’s going on, but these people always have something funky to say.
Well here are four tips to help you feel good about purging these crazy negative people from your life to help you make your own judgments and to increase your positivity bucket.
1) Avoid The Areas Where They Hang Out
If you know they have three or four other coworkers that they like to bounce around cube-wise, then you need to avoid that entire area. Alternatively, you can always consider having something with you that makes it look like you’re on a mission and let them know that you don’t have time to sit there and take part of their shenanigans.
Avoid whatever break room they hang out at and spread their negativity. You know their schedule and what they do and show up at. Work your day around that and just don’t put yourself in their path.
2) Tell Them That You Don’t Appreciate Them
Now I’m not telling you to tell them that they’re worthless and cause some type of HR situation, although sometimes it might be necessary. I want you to know that you should inform them that you do appreciate their input into the company and the work that they do.
But you don’t appreciate the negativity that comes with it and you won’t be a part of it. You can do this in a very logical and professional manner that will benefit you and them. When you have your feelings out there they may react defensively, but in the end you’ll at least have where you stand out in the open and be able to act accordingly.
3) Attend Events That They Would Not Want To Go To
If you know for a fact that they have a problem with the leadership group of your company and that’s something that you’re interested in, then you can safely go to that group or seminar and enjoy your time away from them.
If you know that they’re interested in training programs that for some reason lineup with things that you need to get done, it might be best to avoid them or signup for later dates.
Again, keep track of what they’re doing and what they’re interested in, and don’t put yourself in a position to be exposed to them, especially when you’re trying to do something fun and learn something.
4) Just Give Them The Cold Shoulder
You are required to come to work to fulfill your duty and be professional to everyone. You’re not required to gossip, to put up with negativity or to do other people’s work.
Now, you might want to professionally communicate this to your boss and to the person, but you have every right to not subject yourself to any extra negativity. Let them and your boss know that you are interested in achieving company goals with minimal exposure to any type of negative attitudes. And I think you will come to a common ground that is appreciated by all parties.
Being Positive Cancels The Negative
It’s okay to feel good to purge a whole bunch of funky negative people from your life. It’s time for you to start filling up your positivity bucket and taking control of things that come across your path.
Avoid areas where these people hang out. Tell them that you don’t appreciate that attitude. Go where they aren’t and give them the cold shoulder in a professional manner. Take a proactive approach to bringing the negative out of your life.