Photo credit: dvarg/iStock/Thinkstock
Ecmweb 15598 Thinkstockphotos 493601662skullcrossboneimagewebversion 0
Ecmweb 15598 Thinkstockphotos 493601662skullcrossboneimagewebversion 0
Ecmweb 15598 Thinkstockphotos 493601662skullcrossboneimagewebversion 0
Ecmweb 15598 Thinkstockphotos 493601662skullcrossboneimagewebversion 0
Ecmweb 15598 Thinkstockphotos 493601662skullcrossboneimagewebversion 0

Tip of the Week: Are Your People Negative?

Aug. 21, 2017
Here are some ways to keep negativity in check and create a positive atmosphere.

Negativity can kill a business. It usually takes over by stealth, slowly but surely poisoning the business by poisoning those who work for it.

You want workers who:

  • Have a “can do” attitude.
  • Have passion that customers can see — for what they do and the company the do it for.
  • Offer one another encouragement and practical advice.
  • Speak highly of their job, their company, and their industry. And your customers.

Negativity will give you the opposite. Do you see signs that your workers are starting to give you the opposite? Or that there’s already a full-blown case of negativity? Note that if you’re seeing signs of petty pilfering, you’ve probably got a bad case of negativity.

To find the cause, look at how your managers and company policies treat your employees. For example:

  • Do you have high, but achievable work standards? Or do you have standards that seem designed to make people fail?
  • Do your performance appraisals focus on what’s good, or do they serve mainly as a means of criticizing employees?
  • Is it normal or unusual for managers to say things like “Thanks for what you did out there today” or “I appreciate you and the quality of your work.”
  • Is there flexibility regarding the personal lives of employees? For example, how easy is it for an employee to take off work for a dental appointment?
  • Are your managers consciously thinking about how to inject positive energy into your teams? If not, they are leaving a vacuum that negativity can move right into.
About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Fiberglass Electrical Conduit Chemical Resistance Chart

This information is provided solely as a guide since it is impossible to anticipate all individual site conditions. For specific applications which are not covered in this guide...

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.