How to Deal With Pessimistic Co-Workers

Do you have a pessimistic co-worker who is the first person to disagree with other employees, work process, complains about everything and avoids work events? That one person who you wish would quit or gets fired, but neither one is an option.

Being a part of a company where you enjoy the benefits and the people are wonderful. With great co-workers, you have fun, production increases, you give more of your time to the company, you attend work functions and you are HAPPY.

However, what happens when you have pessimistic co-workers? You avoid seeing or communicating with them because the information that is spilled out of their mouths are based on gossip or negative comments. Pessimistic co-workers see the glass half empty, while you see it half full.

First, let’s break down the word pessimistic. According to https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary, pessimistic is “of relating to or characterized by pessimism: Gloomy.” and when you look up pessimism, it means “an inclination to emphasize adverse aspects, conditions, and possibilities or to expect the worst possible outcome.” Who wants to work with someone who looks at life situations as the end? Not I and neither should you!

What makes a person pessimistic? It depends on their upbringing, mindset, negative friends and family members. It also depends on their environment. Everyone has different factors that contribute to their negative way of thinking and how he or she sees the world. I’ve worked with people who came to work with a negative demeanor, negative mindset, and individuals who were ready to be combative with anyone.

YES, I’ve had my share of negative co-workers, and I know firsthand it can be frustrating, overwhelming and exhausting. There will be times when you encounter pessimistic workers in your organization, and you can’t change a co-worker’ behavior or mindset, but you can make an impact on how they view certain situations.

Here are three things that you can do in your work center when dealing with pessimistic co-workers and have a positive day while hoping to impact the lives of the pessimistic co-workers.

Listen To Them– Everyone wants to know that someone is attentively listening to them. We all have life issues, but people who are pessimistic may feel they are unable to express themselves without being judged. In addition, listening allows you to get clarity on the individual behavior.

Be Positive– Having a positive mindset is the way to counter co-workers who become excited about bringing bad news, creating drama and interrupt workflow. When you exude positivity at work, it can impact the work atmosphere. Your positivism may rub off on them. You get more accomplished with an enthusiastic perspective on life, so share your positive words of affirmations with your pessimistic co-worker and with time they may adjust.

Speak To Them– Conversing with others provides a different perspective of how you and they view the world. You need to be consistent and not fall into the trap of meeting them at their levels. When you counter negative with negative then you get chaos, headaches, a combative person, and stress.

You cannot stop someone from being pessimistic, but you can control how much you interact and deal with them. Applying these three steps will aid you to not fall into the pessimistic trap.

Questions: What is your thoughts on working with pessimistic co-workers?

Shevvvymac

“Motivation Accountability Change”