Downside of Positivity
Introduction
Many people talk Thisabout positivity being a pre-requisite for achievement. They stress the importance of a positive mindset and environment, like offices filled with gadgets, etc to encourage positivity.
On the other hand, negativity is still important as it works against groupthink, ie psychological drive for consensus at any cost.
"...group think suppresses dissent and the appraisal of alternatives. You're afraid to speak out because it will ruin the vibe, and you really want to be seen as an essential part of the group - team player...... groupthink and the pressure to maintain a facade of positivity makes employees less happy, stifles creativity and keeps the business stuck..."
Whitney Goodman, 2022
Need be careful of toxic positivity. In addition to stunting creativity, it can stop you seeing important pain points that the business needs to know about.
"...by focusing on the negative, or the problem, you're able to visualise possible solutions. But it is impossible to discover that solution without first really getting to know the problem..."
Whitney Goodman, 2022
You need productive disagreement to be encouraged.
Linked with negativity is genuine empathy, ie
"... requires that we listen, understand, and we feel what is happening so that we can create a targeted solution,,,"
Whitney Goodman, 2022
Need to be careful
"...Complaints about sexual harassment, lack of diversity, discrimination, and other types of prejudice or critical issues may be silenced in the name of 'positivity' or 'being a team player'..."
Whitney Goodman, 2022
"...there's a fear that too much 'negativity' will ruin the culture. But a company cannot move forward without acknowledging the negative. It's the only way to create change and progress..."
Whitney Goodman, 2022
Some ways to promote a healthy workplace culture
i) create engagement (this results in staff feeling valued, secure and respected; it is a strong predictor of well-being and is more important than material benefits)
ii) show genuine interest in staff (ask questions and show you care about them, both inside and outside the workplace)
iii) show empathy when people are struggling (an unsympathetic manager results in your brain activating areas of avoidance and negative emotions; the opposite is true with an understanding manager)
iv) stress meaningfulness and the importance of staff's work (treat staff with respect, gratitude, trust and integrity; mention the importance of their work to the organisation)
v) encourage people to talk about their problems (
"...when leaders are inclusive, humble and encourage their staff to speak up or ask for help, it leads to better learning and performance outcomes..."
Amy Edmondson as quoted by Whitney Goodman, 2022)
vi) help your employees and colleagues (
"... When leaders are fair and self-sacrificing, their employees become more loyal and committed to the company..."
Jonathan Hait as quoted by Whitney Goodman, 2022)
vii) recognise the differences between negativity and problem-solving (negativity can be more about complaining while problem-solving is more about pointing out issues and proposing new ideas)
Summary
"...be human and show your employees that you care about them. Listen and create a culture of open communications..."
Whitney Goodman, 2022