It seems obvious that being positive would make for a more productive work environment but so often I have seen and heard of the negativity that seeps in.

When a manager is negative, she not only demotivates her employees but also creates an environment of negative energy. Everyone has been talking about the book "The Secret" lately and its powerful message of attraction. The basic concept is this - if you give out positive energy, you will attract it into your life. However, this also works on the flip side - if you create negative energy, you will be swimming in it in no time. So, why on earth would anyone in their right mind not want to focus everything they have on creating positive energy?!?

I currently work in an environment where the first reaction is almost always negative. Nitpicking and pointing out what someone has done wrong before even beginning to think about what they might have done right, much less tell them. Now, take a step back and think about that. Is there one good reason for a business to run like this? Does it make people smarter? Work harder? More motivated to succeed? Uhhhh... NO! In fact, every day I see the very negative side of this where employees are becoming increasingly unhappy, disheartened and unmotivated by their work, their bosses and the poor example of leadership around them. It is so sad to see and if changes are not made soon, people are going to leave their jobs... talk about a sad but inevitable situation in light of this work environment.

What can people do to change it? Well, you cannot control others but you can control yourself and your reaction to others. You can refuse to fall into the negativity trap that prevails around you... why stoop to their level? It will only hurt you. Stay positive at all costs and do not let "them" bring you down. You are strong enough to do it if you really want to - I know you are. In fact, your positive energy will even rub off on some and inspire others to make a change.

The other thing you can do is talk to your manager about how this is affecting you and do not be afraid to be kind but frank about the fact that you will leave if things do not change because this is not a sane work environment. You can also be sure to always point out the positive in people's work before you move onto what might be areas for improvement.

Be an agent of change because, positivity truly does promotes a more productive work environment that retains happy and motivated employees.