LawNet, Inc. How to Handle Negative Attitudes

1. LawNet, Inc.How to Handle Negative Attitudes Henry Chace Director, Information Technology Hutchins, Wheeler & Dittmar Boston, MA

2. Negative Attitudes a fact of life. • People all have bad days/weeks. • Negative attitudes exist at all levels. • Most managers and employees do not want to deal with the problem.

3. Negative Attitudes Damage Effectiveness • Can rapidly kill morale in a department. • Spreads quickly and can interfere with operations. • Creates conflict and makes resolution more difficult.

4. Negative Attitudes Cost Money • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics US companies lose about $3 billion a year to the effects of negativity!

5. Strategies for Dealing with Negative Employees • Review your situation and do not ignore negative employee problems. • Identify and acknowledge there is a problem. • Address problem constructively. • Meet with the employee to talk about how they are feeling and their job satisfaction.

6. Strategies for Dealing with a Negative Employee • Try to get to source of the problem. • Is it something in the position or job description? • Has something happened in the firm or department? • Is the employee experiencing stress outside of work that add to or creates the problem. • Often a frank and open conversation on the above topics will yield good results.

7. Changing the Habit of Negative Thinking • Once you can identify the reasons for negative behavior you can correct the cause or work with the employee to overcome their perception of the situation.

8. Changing the Habit of Negative Thinking • Once a person starts on the path of negative thinking it becomes a habit. • Create a strategy with the employee to identify when they are being negative and how to change the habit.

9. Take Responsibility for Negative Employees • As you work with employees with negative attitudes, don’t neglect the rest of your team! • Make them aware of your efforts in a positive light. • Make space for them to come to you with their perceptions and suggestions. • Don’t let negative attitudes spread!

10. Negativity Spreads like a Virus • Important to act quickly. Don’t let the situation linger on - you’ll want to see positive results within a short (defined) time frame. • Employee should understand that a lack of progress can result in termination. • Do your homework - know the steps you will need to take if you decide to proceed with termination.

11. The Ultimate End of a Negative Attitude • Steps toward termination would include: • Know the policy of your company! • If your firm has a documented policy for employee termination it must be followed to the letter to avoid potentially costly litigation. • Document every step and work with your HR Department. • Watch for potential discrimination issues.

12. Think Positive! • Set a good example. • Work to make the experience positive. • Believe the outcome will be successful right from the start. • Don’t get discouraged - it can be a grueling process but success will make it all worthwhile.