Why is most often, rather easy to respond to negativity? Without giving our responses much thought, we are often primed and ready to give a very sharp, negative response to something said that we don’t like hearing. It can be face to face, or on social media where we often give or receive an immediate negative response to a thought/view we may not like. Of course I am guilt of that as well and I have noticed that responding to negativity can make the situation worse. What I am learning to do now though, is to think about how I could respond in a more positive way that will still be effective. It take practice, but it can be done. I am practicing not to respond to every negative view I might hear, read, or is the recipient of. If I am to understand the issue at hand, then I must learn how to be less reactive.
So how do I try to handle this or what might you do to not respond to negativity? If you are wanting to be more effective in your communication, then as often as possible…
Acting in a rude manner is very easy to do for most of us. You don’t have to think about being polite, it’s a “free for all!” Anything can happen, and anything goes. It’s more difficult for us to exercise some control about what we say or do. If your goal is to keep your “good” reputation intact, then practice being kind and watch how you respond to negativity or negative people. Remember when communication gets confrontational and emotions are heightened, this is the time you need to take a breath and think before you speak. Let’s try…breath and carry on with your positive and happy self!
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-we-work/201210/how-respond-negativity
https://hbr.org/2012/09/how-to-respond-to-negativity.html
So how do I try to handle this or what might you do to not respond to negativity? If you are wanting to be more effective in your communication, then as often as possible…
- Let the person know you understand how they feel. Validate their thoughts. Say, “I understand how/why you feel that say.”…
- Find some place to agree with the person. You may not agree with everything, but they may be Abel to redirect their response in another way.
- Find out if there is anything positive in the view/comment and reinforce that.
- Find out what they are positive about and reinforce that.
- Ignore. You can be aware of what is said or read, but do not respond
- Respond with a positively. Say something nice in return.
Acting in a rude manner is very easy to do for most of us. You don’t have to think about being polite, it’s a “free for all!” Anything can happen, and anything goes. It’s more difficult for us to exercise some control about what we say or do. If your goal is to keep your “good” reputation intact, then practice being kind and watch how you respond to negativity or negative people. Remember when communication gets confrontational and emotions are heightened, this is the time you need to take a breath and think before you speak. Let’s try…breath and carry on with your positive and happy self!
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-we-work/201210/how-respond-negativity
https://hbr.org/2012/09/how-to-respond-to-negativity.html
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