Don’t let workplace negativity derail your career

Recently, Angela got a promotion to head one of the various departments in her organisation. Upbeat and bubbling with optimism, she took up the position with glee and got down to work.

The new position would allow her to serve her organisation better, and in the process, advance her career. Or so she thought.

Lately, her new position has been a source of anguish and misery. Some of her co-workers have been openly expressing how much they dislike her. The workplace has been teeming with taunts and spiteful comments. Any time she walks around the office, Angela overhears her colleagues make sarcastic remarks about how she’s walking, her clothes or the hairstyle she has on.

These comments, which are aimed at undermining her, have steadily sapped Angela’s passion for the job, ingenuity and commitment to the organisation.

Her struggle and worry now is how she will safeguard her career aspirations from being derailed by this negativity at the office.

Unpleasant comments

You may have worked in an office where your co-workers have few positive things to say about their seniors or each other. They spend hours gossiping and making unpleasant comments about others, contaminating the entire workplace.

These people litter the workplace with poison and snide comments, and if you are not careful, they could easily destroy your career. Such backstabbers seek to portray their colleagues as ineffective, unintelligent and undeserving of the current position they hold in a misguided effort to secure their jobs.

You can overcome negativity at the workplace by determining to stay in control of your emotions and refusing to indulge in gossip.

Talking directly to the offending co-worker is recommended, but it is also important to let your seniors know what is happening. Tell them when the next snide remark is made, and how you would like to have the problem addressed.

Expectedly, be prepared to face resistance but do not give up if your concerns are brushed off. Be polite and let your supervisor know that an intervention is necessary to secure both office morale and the future of the organisation.

Shouting match

When someone tries to engage you in a shouting match, respond in a non-hostile, conversational tone. Although it is natural to feel angry, find a reason to pause — take a deep breath or count to 10 — before you speak.

For managers, open the channels of communication and allow any complainants to share their gripes. Giving them a chance to vent their feelings and thoughts can have a therapeutic effect and stop gossips and backstabbers in their tracks.