What Do You Breed?

Negativity is like a pair of breeding rabbits. Once started, the proliferation of a negative environment and atmosphere can be as difficult to stop as an oncoming locomotive.
In our workplace, we deal with hundreds of people every day whether they be teachers, students, administrators, the public, parents or others. Our attitude when dealing with them can give either a favorable impression of our school and district or an unfavorable one. If we are constantly negative, never seeing the bright side of things, always complaining about work, our colleagues and anything else that we can find to nit-pick about, our lot in life will be an unhappy one.
True, not every day is full of joy and happiness. There is, however, always something we can find that is positive. We can comment to someone on how they look, thank them for their help on some project, commend them for something they did. How about just the common courtesies of “Thank you” and “You’re welcome?” When was the last time you held the door for someone or offered to help someone with a big load. How about saying something positive even about those who irritate us? You might be surprised how a positive attitude and disposition can make a difference in the world. Not only will we be happier, but in a positive sense, we can help breed a positive environment.
In our individual custodial crews, a positive attitude goes a long way toward better relations and a desire to do things well. Just a little comment about how well someone did something, no matter how small, or a pat on the back for a job well done will encourage all to do their best and to have a team spirit. Any minor irritations or rough edges others may have can be smoothed out and ignored. Even something as smooth as a mirror has imperfections when viewed under a microscope. Instead of viewing others with a microscope of negativity, why not view them for what they are and ignore the little imperfections. We all have them. Just look in a mirror.
Instead of trying to undermine everything that is said or done by others, why not listen to their opinions or suggestions? The world didn't advance technologically, medically, scientifically or otherwise by choosing only one person’s ideas or opinions. It is made up of an entire population of varying personalities and attitudes. Everybody has a good idea now and then and no one should have the right to cut it down or dismiss it because they don’t like it. All should have their say and we should be willing to listen attentively with an open mind.
If we can all help breed an environment of positive thinking and positive relationships, we can quell the negative undertones that can be the downfall of an entire crew. Be positive! Squash negativity!