Dealing with negativity as a manager?

Dealing with negativity as a manager can be challenging.   If you reinforce the negative view, does it make it worse? Here's our thoughts...

Negativity at work:

1. Don’t dismiss what they are saying.  This is what they feel and they need to know you understand.
2. See if there is any area where you can both agree.  Once you have somewhere to start, you are more likely to be able to help them see different ways of looking at everything else that is bothering them.
3. Together work out some clear actions they can take to change the situation.  We always hear that ‘you can’t change others but you can change yourselves’.  Remembering this can help us feel more in control.
4. Look at the areas they do feel positive.  Add your positive thoughts to help reinforce this positive feeling.  By remembering the things they do like, you might be able to help them move on from that negative mood.