How to deal with a sour coworker

Here are 5 things you can do to manage a negative employee or deal with a sour coworker:

Open Conversation

Inform them that you’re aware of their issues and concerns. Make clear to them how they’re negatively impacting the team with their negativity. Use specific examples that describe behaviours. For example, if this employee rolls their eyes in meetings, illustrate how this irritates other participants and affects the atmosphere. Use these examples to illustrate how they can improve their behaviours.

Don’t take it personally

If you take the employee’s negativity personally, you risk becoming defensive and adding to it. Remind yourself that the negativity isn’t directed at you. The employee is unhappy with their current situations for reasons not related to you. You can only support them through it.

Ask for context

Often times negativity at work has little to do with what’s going on in the workplace. Ask the employee how they are doing in their personal life. They could be going through a rough time and coping by directing their negative energy at work. For example, a breakup affects every aspect of an employee’s life. Knowing what’s going on when they’re not at work can help you identify the need for additional support. It can also help the employee see that you are interested in and concerned about them as a person.

Be solution focused

Don’t focus on what’s wrong with their outlook or how they are hindering your team’s performance. Try to create suitable solutions. How can you improve their morale? How can you solve their issues and respond to their concerns?

Lead with positive feedback

Tell them what they have done well and how you appreciate their work. Try to start constructive feedback with positive remarks as well. Ask coworkers to direct appreciation at the negative team member. Once you’ve managed to decrease negativity, takes measures to avoid it in the future. For example, compliment the individual any time you hear a positive statement. Reinforce positivity.