Essay: How to Handle the Pessimist on Your Team

The article How to Handle a Pessimist addresses the best ways in which to manage negative behavior. The first step to changing the behavior of a pessimist is to figure out what is bothering them. The next step one must take is to reposition negative statements, which will eventually kill a team's motivation and momentum. The article also states that one should involve the whole team and not single out a team member in front of the group.

According to the article, whatever the source of pessimism may be, the best way to deal with the situation is to focus on the individual's behavior. It is much easier to change a person's behavior than it is to change a person's long-held beliefs. Some common forms of pessimism are not having been promoted or the need to cover for the lack of knowledge or skill.

As a leader, one must not let negativity linger. When a pessimist makes a negative statement, ask for clarification or more information about the statement made. One tip given in the article states that the leader of the group should ask the person to follow their negative comments with the word "but", making it harder for the pessimist to sound as negative. When the person has finished, offer constructive criticism and other solutions to the problem. If the negativity continues, one can offer what the author calls "collective wisdom" of the team by demonstrating positive behavior and using peer pressure to show the pessimist a more positive way in which to contribute.