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- How Great Leaders Handle Negative Team Members
Negativity isn’t always loud.
Sometimes it shows up in eye rolls, missed deadlines, or snide comments under the breath. Other times it’s full-blown disengagement or toxic sarcasm. But whether it’s quiet or aggressive, negativity spreads. And it spreads fast.
If you hear or see negativity on your team or in your organization, this week is for you.
Let’s get after it.
I. What you tolerate, you encourage
What it means:
Your silence sends a message. If you let sarcasm slide, bad body language, or ignore constant complaining, you’re signaling to the rest of the team that it’s acceptable. Which, by default, means you are encouraging it.
Negativity doesn’t need an invitation, just permission. As the leader, your job is to protect the culture by emphasizing the right behaviors. The earlier you address negativity, the less damage it does.
II. You don’t fight someone’s negativity with your positivity. You fight it by setting the standard.
What it means:
Trying to stay overly optimistic when someone else is pessimistic doesn’t fix the problem. It often makes it worse. Your positivity isn’t a substitute for someone else’s negativity.
Clear standards are what elevate someone else’s behavior. That doesn’t mean your positivity doesn’t rub off on others or set a great example; it does. However, your positivity doesn’t define what’s acceptable. The standard does.
III. Where there is a void in communication negativity will fill it. Fill the voids so negativity can’t breed and grow.
What it means:
When people don’t know what’s going on, they start to assume the worst. That’s human nature. If you don’t share the plan, check in, or follow up, someone else will fill in the blanks, and that story usually has a negative tone. The reason is that most people tend to default to negative, rather than positive.
Leaders who communicate consistently create trust, direction, and stability. Fill the gaps before negativity does.
Use your gifts,
John Eades
CEO | LearnLoft | The Sales Infrastructure
P.S. Need a quick blueprint to lead your team?
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The Optimistic Outlook (Newsletter)
The Optimistic Outlook is a daily newsletter designed to remind you to focus on the bright side, one day at a time. Join 700+ leaders who are already improving their Optimistic Outlook.
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No Bad Teams Only Bad Leaders (Video)
There aren't bad teams, only bad leaders.
Despite efforts from many people, something about work isn't working.
- 31% of employees are engaged
- 68% of team members have expressed feelings of burnout
The hard truth is that we have a leadership problem.
Do you agree?
What’s the most common type of negative team member you've encountered? |
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Free Workshop: Book a free 60-minute skill mastery workshop for managers in your organization or a culture workshop for your executive team.
Customized Leadership Development Programs: Bring the Accelerate Leadership Program or Catalyst for Growth Program in-house for a customized experience for your team members. Programs include virtual or in-person instructor-led training, a Leadership Growth Plan, and group coaching to ensure real-world mastery.
1:1 Coaching: Work 1-on-1 with me or one of our certified coaches to achieve your goals, strengthen critical skills, and address your most pressing challenges. This 6-month program focuses on mindset and execution for tangible, lasting outcomes. Show me more
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