Negativity is one of the main roadblocks to personal and organizational change. Today we are going to see how you can conquer negativity by promoting positive attitudes and feelings.
Turning negativity into positive energy for change
Let’s examine some of the most common negative psychological and emotional attitudes toward change. We will focus on how to turn them from negative to positive.
- Fear of the unknown. If you can convey the unknown as an interesting challenge, instead of a scary, confusing situation, the fear will diminish considerably. Education and communication about the upcoming change will bring reassurance. When people know what to expect, the fear dissolves. The resulting confidence will help change.
- Low tolerance for change. Some personality types have less tolerance for change than others. Past difficult experiences with change can also contribute to this problem. When people have low tolerance for change, the sooner they know about the proposed change, the easier it will be to get used to the idea. Asking for stories about past successful experiences with change can be a reminder of the strengths they have.
- Dislike of management or other change agent. It is impossible to be liked by everyone. It is helpful if the person who presents the change plan is liked by the group. If that is not possible, be ready to have a very compelling “message” that can weight more than the dislike of the “messenger.”
- Lack of trust. Trust takes time to develop. A way to develop trust is to create a few easy to implement steps to launch the change effort. The ensuing success will increase the trust level, helping people believe it is possible to implement the change. If changes are a result of a merger, opportunities for personal interactions can help people get to know each other. This will facilitate the development of trust.
- Need for security. When there is change, many people feel insecure. Fears for their job tend to abound. Give realistic reassurance about job security. Give also access to help as needed.
- Desire for status quo. Anything that is repeated often enough becomes a habit. Habits make our life easier. No wonder people prefer things to stay the same! The secret is to remind people that if they repeat the new behaviors often enough and long enough, it will become the new norm, or new habit. It will then be easy.
- Frustration. Anything new we attempt requires dealing with feeling of inadequacy as we slowly become proficient. This brings frustration. Tempers can flare easily. Recognizing the frustrations, while witholding “punishing” the people for feeling frustrated, is needed. It is also important to encourage the sharing of small gains. We tend to see what we focus on. If our focus is on the frustrations, they will increase. We need to focus in the daily gains, even if they are small. Acknowledging the efforts, will encourage perseverance, bringing more success.
- Stress. Change brings stress. Stress is fueled in part by been asked to handle the same amount of work under different conditions. Some stress is positive encouraging us to strive harder. On the other hand, too much stress can be paralyzing.
Some ways to help diffuse stress are: more frequent brakes; appreciation; judicious use of humor; soft calming background music; less interruptions; patience with repeated questions and with mistakes; opportunities for sharing and helping each other; and reminders of what it will look like after they have fully incorporated the changes.
Positive emotions reduce negativity
Negativity can work as a virus “infecting” everybody. It can sabotage change. The best antidote to negativity are four positive emotions. These emotions have been shown to increase energy, fuel productivity, decrease stress, promote connection, and increase well-being in the workplace. The 4 positive emotions are:
- Compassion
- Empathy
- Forgiveness
- Appreciation
Organizations that encourage a culture of positivity, flourish. Cultivating positive emotions is especially important during times of stress and times of change. The holidays are especially stressful times. Explore within yourself how you can change the boundaries of your mind. You can widen the possibilities of what you can do. You can expand what you experience. Positivity is the way to go!
Remember, positivity can calm negativity like a reset button. I have written in past blogs about the power of positive words, and about how affirmation increases performance. Try it out! Go among your people today and show heartfelt, specific appreciation. Listen with compassion. Practice empathy. Be ready to forgive and move on. You will feel better, while those around you will feel more connected, energized, ready to tackle change!
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