Would others ever describe you as a cynic, an apathetic, or a naysayer?

Would others ever describe you as a cynic, an apathetic, or a naysayer?

It doesn’t take intelligence or courage to be cynical. Cynicism means believing that people are simply motivated by self-interest, and nothing else. And that is just not true. Cynicism just takes a level of self-focus that borders on selfishness. Cynicism in the workplace is poisonous, contagious, and leads to low levels of engagement.

It doesn’t take intelligence or courage to be apathetic. The apathetics only do just enough to “get by.” This is not engagement, or even motivation, by any definition. More often, it is just avoidance. An apathetic approach will never take you to progress or success. And the apathetics in the workplace just frustrate those who want to get things done.

It doesn’t take intelligence or courage to be a naysayer. Naysayers have excuses, many excuses, for not doing what needs to be done. They will undermine, with fearful resistance, literally every change that is needed, if given the chance to do so. Fear is the driver, and like the others, it is contagious.

It doesn’t take intelligence or courage to criticize and complain, without having some ideas about what is possible, especially when directed at those who can or will do nothing about the situation.

None of these characters should ever be placed in positions of significant responsibility in the workplace, especially leadership positions, and maybe should not be there at all. They will just obstruct the work. The remedy?

Make it clear that cynics, apathetics and naysayers are not welcome, and will be removed over time. Those who want to move the needle forward, who want the business to succeed, and who want to do what is required to make progress happen will be valued. The cynics, apathetics and naysayers…not so much. Then act on that rapidly, and visibly. Remove them, and replace them with those who want to add value.

And if you are a cynical, apathetic or naysaying leader, it is worse. You are doing damage, and need to leave. If you are unhappy, perhaps you are trying to control things that cannot be controlled, at least by you. It is time for fresh leadership…and maybe you need a break, and time to reflect on why you have adopted such a negative approach to your leadership.

So, have you ever been described as a cynic, apathetic or naysayer? If so, is it perhaps time to reflect on why?