INFECTIOUS MISERY

Let me explain….

I once had an individual working for me who was constantly miserable – with the work, with others and himself. Everything was “wrong” – it was too hot, too cold, too wet, not enough rain….the list was endless. Over time, this began to have an impact on the rest of the staff who, rightly, complained to me that the attitude of this person was “not appropriate to this office”. I totally agreed with them and considered how to overcome the problem. I knew that just talking would have a 5-minute impact – the time it took for the words to be heard, circulate around the brain and then be forgotten. I considered asking for the individual to be sent to another function but gave up on that since it meant I was washing my hands of a problem that was mine and inflicting it upon someone else – hardly ethical. Eventually, with the help of my team, we overcame the problem by restructuring the work so that the individual ended up with no job – and then “suggested” he leave the company, advice that was enthusiastically (or as enthusiastically as could be) accepted, much to the relief of all.

My point is that misery, like the ‘flu, is infectious; some people seem to have their own personalised ‘black cloud’ hovering over them and raining on everyone’s parade. And, even worse, they actually ENJOY this! (“It’s being miserable that keeps me happy”) I cannot understand such behaviour so I guess my level of understanding (or compassion) is low. Nevertheless, such behaviour is not on my radar.

Hope you’re not like the person above…

    

Until next time,

P.S.