Recently, I was told about a business meeting that when being recounted to me sounded like it was full of gloom and doom. It didn't sound very solution based. In fact,even when possible personnel solutions were mentioned, it seemed more emphasis was on affordability than on the positive attributes that were to be gained. There also seemed to be finger pointing. Personally, I believe time is often wasted when blame becomes more important than solution. You want to understand reasons why; however, I don't think it is necessary to throw people under the bus when searching for the needed remedy to moving forward.

Some people feel that they need to seek attention and praise; that by stepping on someone else it will elevate them. Some people are never, ever at fault. They are skilled at reflecting responsibility. Many of us have been in such meetings. Negative is far more powerful than positive energy. It is an unfortunate but true fact of nature.

It is frustrating and exhausting for those that concentrate on finding solutions, training, and motivating others to do their best. To explain to them day in and day out "why" they need to continue working towards a common goal. Explaining "how" it will make a positive difference. I understand that it must feel like efforts go unappreciated. That you aren't making a positive difference. You can feel your contributions are taken for granted, while others loudly toot their own horn and make it a point to have more visibility and face time with the boss. It's really not much fun.

As the champion for the company, doing your best to be part of the process that brings in orders, trains those that are producing product,willing to run errands, come in early, stay late without needing kudos that they are making a positive difference that can't be quantified. No one person or decision is usually the cause of downturns in business. Maybe what happens when there is a downturn a company loses it collective confidence just like an individual when something in their life goes off track.

By inspiring a team effort, presenting positive possibilities, harnessing the skills and talents of the group, concentrating on uplifting and empowering others may result in the increased initiative and drive that is necessary to move forward. Studies show that a positive work environment is markedly more productive than one where staff are constantly reminded that they are working to keep the wolf from the door.