Positivity
June 2026 Character Core
Positivity and negativity in the workplace directly affect everyone in the organization. When you hit a brick wall, and don’t see a way around it, the way that you respond affects everyone around you.
Deborah Sweeney said, “Misery may love company, but negativity has never lifted anyone up. You feel better when you surround yourself with positive people. They encourage you to reach for the stars, work hard and stay focused on fulfilling your dreams. Positivity begets more positivity. Over time, you may find that even the most stubborn person in the office who refuses to enjoy something has a change of heart and becomes more positive, all because of your great attitude.”
People can easily see if others are having a good day or a bad day. When someone is having a bad day it is easy to just tiptoe around them, and think of all the times that person has had a bad day. However, when someone is having a bad day and they take it out on you, make a point of thinking, “It’s not something I did, they are probably tired, or are going through a tough situation.” People are usually trying their best. Most people don’t wake up and decide, “I’m going to have the worst day possible and make sure everyone knows how terrible it is going.” Try to give people the benefit of the doubt when they are having a bad day. You can’t do anything about the negativity around you, but you can choose how you respond to the negativity!
When problems outside of work begin seeping into the workplace, it can be difficult for others to know what to do. Suddenly small things at work are seen as large, unsurpassable problems, due to stress and problems outside of work.
When you are having work-related issues, talk to people who are part of the solution. The most damaging thing you can do is to talk to people that are not related to the situation/solution. This can easily turn to gossip and breed resentment towards you if the person doesn’t want to be part of the situation.
When you find yourself having a bad day, make a point of smiling at people instead of looking miserable. That is the easiest thing you can do. However, another great option is to stop complaining and spend 1 minute listing all the things for which you are grateful. This moves your mindset from “poor me”, to “I have so much for
which to be thankful.”
Be respectful and patient when people are having a bad day, you never know the reason for the negativity.
