Many of the conversations I  observe are about complaints.  It is a bit subjective, but I have come to the conclusion that gossiping and complaining are favorite topics among humans in general (human nature) This includes work colleagues and other acquaintances.

Metphorically speaking, if five people are walking and four of them fall into a dirty puddle, they are more likely to pull the fifth person (who is clean to this point) into the mud with them than anything else.

Choose your own behaviour

We are social animals and often hang together in groups.  This does not mean the group needs to drive your behaviour.

If you are having a chat with friends, colleagues or others and the discussion topic is depressing  (bitching and complaining) you should feel free to not participate or even leave, albeit respectfully.

Accentuate the positive

I am not sure exactly why but lately a line from a song in the movie “Mary Poppins” has been running through my head, simply – “accentuate the positive”.

What a great attitude.  Success is more likely to be achieved when you are looking/striving/focused on it, as opposed to complaining about lack thereof.

High Performing Teams

A key but often overlooked attribute of high performing teams is a unified approach to maintaining positivity.  Not only do the individuals on the team dance the feel good dance of the optimist, the whole team does it as an integrated whole.

So next time those friends of yours are trying to drag you into the mud puddle, resist firmly.  Keep your clothes clean.