How to be more positive at work

How do you portray being positive at work? I was told I'm too negative and need to say "yes" more. I know the root cause could be because it hasn't been the easiest place to work for 5 years but in the last 6 months things have gotten better.

Tips?

Re: How to be more positive at work

I think that's hard to say not knowing specifics.

Maybe you are right & your Nos are justified.

I think finding a more positive way to say it can help.

What are you saying no to? Taking on more work? Ideas that you don't think will work?

If it is ideas, I would say something like, "OK, that idea has potential, but I am concerned about A, B, C. . ." and let them convince you. You may have to reach a compromise, or let people try things ( after your advisement) and use that as a learning experience.

Message edited 3/10/2016 5:04:41 PM.

How to be more positive at work

A flask in the filing cabinet


I agree with pp somewhat

Re: How to be more positive at work

Need more info, like PP said.

Re: How to be more positive at work

I was told I have to be fake more and that it's in my tone. I have to say yes more I think means more solution oriented and upbeat and cheery?

Re: How to be more positive at work

Message edited 3/10/2016 10:40:25 PM.

Re: How to be more positive at work

what tourist said.

I have had the pleasure of working with a negative person. Look .. work is work. It's no carnival but no need to be negative. Just smile through it. We have to spend so much time together and the work does have to get done so lets be positive about it. Got nothing else.

But those suggestions above are key.

I had one lady who was madam sour puss. "Look, Veronica, not everyone can come to work happy or positive ok? I'm negative, it's who I am" well alrighty then.

She hated everything and every part of her work. Or at least that's how she acted and spoke. It was so negative I hated working with her but I had to. She pulsated negativity. She'd joke and laugh about reality TV but work? Oh no work is a four letter sentence of death.

How to be more positive at work

Do you work with the general public? Like dealing directly with customers?

Re: How to be more positive at work

Posted by tourist

Posted by stinger

I was told I have to be fake more and that it's in my tone. I have to say yes more I think means more solution oriented and upbeat and cheery?

lol, they really told you to be fake?
Is the issue with people outside the office or inside the office. I reserve fake voice for outside the office, but I hate when people yes people to death. I work with people who promise unrealistic things to people & then hands them off to others, who then have to break it to them that things can't be done that way. It is irritating.
So don't do that!

I think being solution oriented is a good start. Ask yourself why you are saying no. What would happen if you said yes? What needs to happen so that you CAN say yes?

Also, be friendly when it does't matter. If you are miserable at work, it is easy to not smile, & say good morning by the coffee-pot etc.

I think if you are generally upbeat, people will listen to you when you do have to say no.

Also, how you say no can be important.

for example:
no, absolutely not
vs,
Unfortunately, we are able to do that.

Or I don't have time for that right now
vs
I'd love to give this my undivided attention--can we calk tomorrow instead?

As for tone, a former co-worker had a sign taped to her desk that day, smile, be positive, as a reminder before she answered the phone, b/c she was given a similar critique.

Also, if you can, make your environment more positive. Rearrange your desk, bring in pictures of things that make you happy etc, to put you in a better mood, so you don't have to be fake.

How to be more positive at work

I remember letting go a few employees because of their negative attitude. I also told them to be more 'cheery'. Most people, to some degree really dislike their jobs but it shouldnt be known in the workplace. It just breeds negativity in the environment and that in itself, can affect job performance etc. I was in a very similar situation as youself when i first started my career and was told the same. At the time, i just didnt know of any better ways to deal with my crappy situation. All i can say is good luck and try your best to be positive.

Message edited 3/10/2016 8:22:27 PM.

Re: How to be more positive at work