b'BUSINESS MANAGEMENTContinued from page 24Once you have this information you can take stepsof only pointing out negatives can create an unhealthy to alleviate any negative workplace problem. You canwork environment, said Theodorou. While you have also coach Margareta on steps she can take to adoptto be firm but fair with employees when things are not a positive attitude.going in the right direction, you must also recognize Bonus tip: Toxic bosses are the number one reasonand reward those same employees when things are good employees quit their jobs. going right. 6. Carlos pooh-poohs every idea otherSIDEBAR: Are You Dealing Effectively with employees (and managers) suggest Negative Workers?CarlosssupervisorshouldfirsttrytouncoverAre you taking the right steps to rehabilitate toxic whats causing the negativity, said Randy Goruk,workers and promote a positive workplace? To find president of The Randall Wade Group, Scottsdale, AZout, take the quiz below. Give yourself 10 points (leadersedge360.com). Are there challenges at home?for each Yes answer to these questions. Then Is something happening in the work environment? total your points to see how prepared you are for If Carlos is being negative about a certain topic, thenyour next show.ask for solutions that can turn the negative into a1. Are you acting early when spotting negative positive. If you cant do what he suggests, explainbehavior?why and explore alternatives. 2. Do you meet privately with toxic workers to Longer range, the supervisor should also make a pointuncover their motivations?of showing appreciation and recognition to Carlos3. Do you express genuine concern for the counseled when he does something worthy of it. Emphasize hisindividuals well-being and for any pressures they skills and value to the organization. Being availableare experiencing?and approachable to all employees sends a signal4. Do you communicate the solutions-oriented that you want to hear what they have to say.nature of the counseling session?Goruk also suggests making a personal connection with5. Do you encourage counseled workers to develop Carlos to discover what gives him joy. The supervisortheir own corrective actions rather than impose may be able to find ways to introduce nuggets of joya solution from above?into his negative viewpoint or conversation.Bonus tip: Supervisors can help create positive feelings6. Do you set a time frame for improvement and in the staff by taking the lead in celebrating teamestablish follow-up meetings? successes and developing recognition programs. 7. Doyouprovidecoachingtargetedtothe Stay positive employees needs when appropriate?There is no universal formula when dealing with8. Is outside counseling arranged when appropriate?negative employees. Because everyones background9. Doyousuggestalternativewaysthetoxic is a little different, success lies in determining a tailoredemployee can engage with co-workers or the response. public?All solutions, though, tend to share one commonality:10. Do you create a positive workplace that regularly They rely on a proactive supervisor to arrange forrecognizes and rewards employee achievement?a counseling session, determine the cause of toxicWhats your score? Over 80: You are creating a behavior, and blaze a path forward. Schedule adynamic workplace environment that reduces transparentandclearconversationaboutwhattoxic behavior. Between 60 and 80: Time to has transpired with the negative worker and whyfinetuneyourengagementwithnegative their behavior is not okay, said Dennis Theodorou,workers. Below 60: Its a good idea to re-gear Managing Director at JMJ Phillip Group (jmjphillip. by instituting ideas from the accompanying com). Exhibit some understanding and empathy andstoryencourage employees to open up about underlying issues. Then set expectations for the future.Longer range, supervisors should emphasize the positive in employee relations. The management habit www.mrca.orgMidwest Roofer 25'