Encourage positivity at work
Have you ever noticed that some people are able to maintain their positivity, even in stressful workplaces, whereas others do the opposite? Why is this?
Positive co-workers have the right attitude. They realise that although others can act in ways that help to make us stressed or happy, ultimately our happiness is determined by the choices we make.
Positive people don’t expect perfection from themselves, their colleagues or their workplace. It is OK to have a bad day or two. A bad week, month or year is not so good. But they appreciate that their happiness is not determined by the absence of challenging circumstances at work. If you wait until your workload is more reasonable, changes are better managed, and difficult co-workers to become easier before you allow yourself to be happy, you may well be waiting a long time.
Happy employees also take action. They appreciate it is up to them to know what helps them to feel more satisfied at work and to communicate this to their employer. Rather than settling for a miserable job, they do their best to influence change at work or to get themselves into work they find more satisfying.
Positive people realise that their happiness at work affects their happiness at home. They also know that what they do in their free time also affects their happiness at work. They realise that it is their responsibility alone to make their home life more rewarding. A life spent focused primarily around your work will never make you happy.
Positive co-workers also give. They realise that one of the best ways to become happy at work is to make their co-workers happy. Although a higher salary or a promotion bring about temporary feelings of satisfaction, ultimately these things will never make you happy. Lasting satisfaction comes from helping people to feel happier.
The good news is that although negativity is contagious, so is happiness. It is also easier to stay positive when you have positive people around you. Although it would be nice if our co-workers and employer also gave to us, someone has to set the example. It may as well be you.
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Ken Warren BA, M Soc Sc, CSP is an expert on People Management Skills and Human Behaviour. With his engaging, interactive and positive presentations, Ken has shown thousands how to improve team performance, provide great customer service, and enhance staff resiliency. Check out all his FREE resources at www.positivepeoplesolutions.com.au
