Is Your Pessimism Bringing Your Team Down?

Like most approaches to work, there is a time and place for pessimism. Raining on people’s parade is rarely welcome. How can you make sure that your outlook on things, even if it tends to be a bit gloomier than others’, doesn’t drag the team down or hurt your relationships with your colleagues?

First, understand your “motivational focus.” Are you prevention-focused? That is, concerned with safety, often seeing tasks as a series of obstacles to overcome? A prevention focus can be a productive mindset—as long as you don’t constantly bring people’s mood down.

Next, understand what might be driving your negative mindset beyond a prevention focus. Are you burned out or feeling negative because of something going on at work or in other parts of your life? If you find that your pessimism is a product of factors that are in your control, take steps to address them.

Then, pay attention to your behavior. Whatever the source of your pessimism, changing your actions is much easier than trying to deny your opinions. Look for constructive ways to share your negative views. For example, instead of “this will never work,” try something like, “I see a few risks to this approach that I’d like to share and discuss.”

Finally, try out optimism. Find moments where you can offer genuine positivity. This will help guard against gaining a negative reputation that you can’t shake.