Attitudes are contagious, and the more time you spend with someone, the more likely you are to reflect the mood of that other person. So, what happens when someone with a negative attitude constantly surrounds you?

      It is especially tough to deal with a bad attitude when you are in the workplace. When day in and day out, you are forced to be in the same confines as a “Debbie Downer,” it begins to take a toll on your own attitude and your morale. Managers need to take note of this and be concerned. If an employee can affect the mood of other employees, how are they affecting clients and customers? No one buys products or services when they are in a bad mood or when they are turned-off by the person they are purchasing from.

      When managers notice that an employee is negatively affecting others, they need to step in. One-on-one sessions are effective for gaining insight into the real issue at hand. Draw up scenarios that will help you understand the problem. Ask them how they would handle a particular situation. You may find out that the employee is frustrated from a lack of sales or that they feel uncomfortable with cold-calling.

     For more information on how to handle bad attitudes in the workplace, download this free audio session: Coaching Bad Attitudes in the Workplace