Episode 50: Turning Workplace Negativity on Its Head

Workplace negativity can have a snowball effect: Once it starts, it can grow until it gets past your ability to handle it. So, how can leaders effectively mitigate negativity? On today's episode of the Rebel Leadership Podcast, Allison Minutillo talks to Dr. Benjamin Finlayson (he/him), PhD, MFTC, Regis University Assistant Professor in the Division of Counseling and Family Therapy and expert on LGBTQIA identity, solution focused therapy, suicide and medical family therapy (MedFT), and Account Supervisor Sam Manz about countering negativity in the workplace. As leaders, like almost anything else, workplace negativity challenges us to build new skills. Whether it’s about showing up as honestly as possible, listening more effectively, actively seeking feedback or creating space for people to air grievances and responding effectively, the fact is that negativity should be treated as an opportunity. When we create a space where we challenge each other, listen to and act on disagreement (and be willing to live with disagreement), we create a better, more validating workplace environment. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. So, get ready to immerse yourself in the issues surrounding—and solutions to—negativity in the workplace.