Dealing successfully with negative team members!

A lot of the managers I work with talk about how they can successfully manage someone in their team who is negative. This can be really difficult as it is just not an easy or quick fix!

Firstly you must nip the negativity in the bud - easier said than done, but the quicker you start talking about it with this person, the better - for them, you and all the other team members.

Start by broaching the subject as part of a normal 121 meeting. Be calm and confident and start with 'I notice that when suggestions on how we can improve are discussed you behave in negative way'.

Then go through the AID model which is:

ACTION, IMPACT and DO!

What ACTION are they doing or not doing? How are they behaving? Your examples could be:

- you dismiss other peoples' ideas quickly

- you look for the problems, not for the solutions

- you focus on the reason for not doing something

- I always feel you cup is half empty

What IMPACT this has on YOU, THEM and OTHERS:

- by being negative it is difficult for you to motivate the team

- other people feel fed up when you start talking

- people feel 'here we go again'

- it makes our meetings less productive

What you want them to DO!

- STOP, think about what you are saying

- how can I help you flip your thoughts into more positive ones?

- think about your cup being half full!

- think, how can I take action and help rather than hinder

It's about being clear and concise, don't ramble!

Then, accept what they are saying, understand where they are coming from and then empower them to change their behaviour.

Create an action plan together on how they will improve their behaviour AND then keep it on the 121 agenda to review it regularly. Once you have started that conversation it is so much easier to continue it.

I have lots of experienced gained over 20+ years in developing and nuturing teams so if you would like to chat on how you can start a difficult conversation like this email me!