I think we all know that just one bad apple is all it takes to infect the entire department and demoralize everybody. We’ve seen it happen, one too many times. It’s the old “bad apple” analogy.
But what about you? What about when YOU are having a bad day?
Sure, some people seem to always see the glass as half empty. They’re a whole different challenge for the organization. That’s not what I’m talking about.
I’m talking about YOU, as a leader, and your responsibility to NOT have a bad day.
Negativity infects. And leaders can either infect or inspire. Your having a bad day will not go unnoticed. In fact, it will most likely infect all of those in your leadership chain.
While a co-worker may infect his or her nearby workers, a manager can infect his or her entire department with a sour face, a nasty comment, or negative body language.
When this happens, the inevitable result is reduced productivity, damaged morale and eventually increased turnover, so wise managers leave their negativity at the door.
That’s what leaders do. They understand their roles as influencers. They understand that even tho’ they are battling negative forces or have every reason to “have a bad day,” they don’t. They act and behave in an inspirational way.
What tactics do you use to stay positive for your ‘troops?’
