In these days and times there is absolutely no room for negativity in the workplace. However, time and again I encounter leaders who allow one or two employees to totally contaminate the morale of the entire team with on-going negative comments and slurs. Evidently, what the leader doesn’t realize is that this shows a sign of weakness in their ability to effectively lead their team, and achieve expected business results.
When a leader allows negativity to fester within the work environment there are two key areas of leadership effectiveness that they are lacking in: (1) Employee Accountability; and (2) Confronting Unacceptable Behavior. So here are a few key tips to improve in these two major areas.
When it comes to accountability and confronting unacceptable behavior:
• Address the issue immediately.
• Discuss the matter in private.
• Be very polite.
• Allow the employee to respond.
• Don’t take their negativity personally.
• Explore solutions together.
• Reinforce the behavior your want corrected.
As leaders, sometimes we need to be reminded that we are in charge, we control the work environment, and we are accountable for ensuring it is a harmonious environment where people and productivity can thrive.
So, for more details on confronting unacceptable behavior and holding employees accountable in the workplace, below are links to two brief, popular and engaging e-Learning presentations that we have created for your review.
The Five Steps to Employee Accountability (10 minutes)
http://my.brainshark.com/The-Five-Steps-to-Accountability-195335032
Confronting Unacceptable Behavior (11 minutes)
http://my.brainshark.com/Confronting-Unacceptable-Behavior-723727345
We hope you find time this week to review them. And, remember you create the work environment (good or bad). Don’t allow the negativity of a few bad apples to fester and destroy it.
We’d love to hear your perspective on allowing negativity to fester in the workplace. Please share your comments!
