Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Got a problem with a negative employee? Negativity can harm everyone in a workplace even beyond the person who is being negative. If co-workers have to sit around long enough listening to others complain and whine then after awhile it can become a real hazard and destroy the entire workforce. If you have your own negative Nelly working under you, and poisoning your workforce, here are some suggestions for turning the situation around.
Identify the negative person in private and ask that employee how you can assist him in meeting his goals and finding job happiness.
Decide on time-lines for the negative person to meet his goals. Be a part of the solution and not part of the negative person's perceived problem. When the negative employee has finished a certain task, acknowledge it and then offer that person a chance to move forward with his next goal.
Limit the time you spend with the negative employee, but keep an eye on any problems that might arise. Also, make yourself available as a good manager should the negative employee have any problems or issues.
Do not get caught up in blowing a problem out of proportion or feeling that it can’t be handled responsibly and quickly. When there are problems, always offer solutions to the problems.
Ask co-workers to send out positive messages to the negative employee as much as possible and help when needed. Sometimes people just need to feel appreciated. They might turn into the best employee you have working for you.