with Angie Salyer

October 23, 2007

There was a great turn out for the TAHRA meeting on Friday, October 19, 2007, and for good reason. The guest speaker was Steve Gillard and he gave a riveting and entertaining presentation about negativity in life and at work. He was a forceful speaker that really kept your attention. His personal stories not only added humor, but also made each of his points more relative. I think I laughed as much as I learned.

So why does negativity continue?

1. Habitual thinking makes it normal to focus on the wrong
   1. Motivation fades, but habits prevail
2. Sensationalism sells.
   1. As the newspaper business says, "If it bleeds, it leads."
3. Culture accepts it.
4. We tolerate it.
5. It subtlety gets in. Negativity sneaks in.
6. It promotes ones self-esteem.
   1. Making them look bad makes you feel good.

How do you deal with negativity? Next time someone starts to speak to you about something negative, try these outlook adjusters:

1. Focus on the possibilities. What is right, not what is wrong.
2. React from your heart, not your head.
3. Speak their language. Don’t become defensive, though.
4. Appreciate all people and never label. Labeling is disabling.
5. Surround yourself with people you want to become.

And there it is. This is a very shortened version of a great presentation and can only give you a taste of what was offered. Seems easy but to think of these things as you are being bombarded is the real challenge. But what is life with out challenge…boring! Look forward to seeing everyone at the next TAHRA or SHRM meeting. :0)

Angie Salyer

UT SHRM

TAHRA Liaison