Every organization is subject to having people who can drain energy from the team.

Author David Salyers says that there are three types: victims, naysayers and know-it-alls. I hadn’t thought much of the classification but have noticed it since learning of these designations.

Victims take problems personally. Rather than work to solve the problem objectively, they get mired down from them. The victim is “put upon” by the problem. He sees the problem as proof the world is out to get him. It causes a negative attitude and created a “glass half empty” environment.

Naysayers are pessimists. The first look is at what is wrong versus what is right. The first approach to change is to believe it won’t work. Trust is rarely forthcoming.

Know-it-alls shutdown teamwork. Others ideas are subordinated to their own. They shutdown conversation and creativity because they are overbearing with their thoughts and opinions.

Candidly, I can confess to all three of these behaviors. But, Salyers says we should all remember that we choose how we approach things.

We can choose to believe we are winners as compared to victims. Rather than imagine it won’t work out, you can choose to believe the problem will be solved, the game can be won, and the progress will be achieved.

You can choose optimism versus pessimism. You can adopt the attitude that every puzzle has a solution. That good processes lead to good results.

You can favor learning and listening as compared to fighting to have your ideas win the day.

Choices each time. Don’t drain energy. Bring the juice.