Negativity In the Workplace A Reflection of TYC

Once upon a time I used to be an AR manager back in Denver, CO. I truly don't miss it. Managing negativity was a pervasive problem that caused if not brought under control, high turnover, absenteeism, complaints and a general overall negative atmosphere. Some elements are crucial in identifying and facing negativity in our lives, whether it's professional or personal.

Persons with a low sense of self esteem will most likely be more negative towards other people or for the organization they work for. A person with degraded confidence will be unlikely to accept responsibility for mistakes and will shove that blame onto others. This type of person will always look on the outside to explain and rationalize their mistakes. He/She will only feel better by belittling those around them. This person will constantly look for others faults and weaknesses and exploit them.

People who have to be in control will resist any type of change, whether it be good or not. They will constantly resist and complain about the inability to cope with the changes. You'll hear a familiar script: "Why bother learning this new program, they'll just change it tomorrow anyway."

Acceptance. Most of our boys come to us from gang related activities, their reasoning...they wanted to belong. Most people want to be a part of something good, worthwhile...and if this isn't present then disillusionment sets in and we become detached. Isolation is a natural by-product of negativity.

We're starting a new school year on August 24th. I've already started hearing the awful rumors that the school won't be open for six months. Another rumor has it that our principal will be replaced because of our low test scores. Grapevine also reveals that Ward County is taking over the facility and kicking the education program to the curb. All this talk has some of my co-workers running around scrambling, crying and pretty much being self defeating.

Really, all one can do...all I'm going to do, is get prepared for the first day of school, show up and present a great lesson with an even bigger smile, because basically, it's my job to make these boys feel safe and comfortable and to provide them with an excellent opportunity to learn. I've gotten permission to do some new books this year, and I'm very excited about them. Dante's Inferno, Machiavelli's The Prince, Milton's Paradise Lost, Orwell's Animal Farm and 1984 are just a few of the books and epic poems I'll have available. On a lighter side we'll be seeing some Shakespearean comedy, such as The Taming of The Shrew and a Comedy of Errors. I might even be able to plan a field trip to the Globe Theatre in Odessa.