Section 22: Vocally Support the Organization s Goals

Overview

Several years ago my organization was struggling with some big changes in our industry. After a time, employees divided into two groups: those who supported change and those who resisted it. I found when I talked with the change resisters that my personal view of the future became more limited and more pessimistic. My own doubts and fears were magnified with no solution in sight. If I dared to mention something I agreed with, my point of view was soundly devalued.

When I talked with the change supporters, my future opened up to more possibilities. My fears could be addressed with people who wanted to help me fix the problem.

For me, the choice was clear: I chose to spend most of my time with the supporters, futurists, and positive thinkers. I talked openly about things I agreed with, which helped others who were struggling. I discussed my doubts, and the others helped me to address them. Ultimately, I made a significant impact on the change our division was undergoing.

For better or worse, our culture seems to reward conflict and negativity. At times, it can be difficult to speak positively about what is going on during times of tension.

You have a choice. If you think and speak supportively about the future, you will help build it for you and your organization. If you build up barriers and problems, then the future will overrun you.

There is another way to think about this. Suppose to your left is a co-worker who sees everything in a negative light: they hate their job, they don’t like the company, their future is bleak. On your right is another who is supportive and positive. They see value in their job, they like working for the company, the future is full of possibilities.

Who would you like to hang out with? Why?

The person on your left is constantly draining energy from you, and the person on your right is feeding you energy. If you need your energy to overcome challenges and remain enthusiastic about your job, then you better not waste time with those who drain it.

It is easy to feel like a victim when you are a single employee in a large organization. Many things are beyond your control. But acting like a victim is a choice you make every day. Acting out victimhood is self-reinforcing and affects those around you.

The paradox is this: when you feed others with positive energy, you do not lose it yourself. In fact, you are likely to gain energy yourself because of the attitude of others around you and the positive future you are building inside your mind.

There is something incredibly powerful with communicating this positively to others who listen. It makes it more real, more tangible. You will see great opportunity and lead change when you bring out your positive energy.

Few things in the world are more powerful than a positive push. A smile. A word of optimism and hope. A "you can do it" when things are tough.

—Richard M. DeVos, Amway founder