When a company disappoints me and I share my
opinion, people eat it up.
They concur. They add to the point.
When a company really impresses me and I share my
opinion, people are skeptical.
They look for the catch. What’s in it for me?
Mike Sansone noticed
that when we write blog posts that are critical we’re more likely to get responses
than when we say something positive.
Why is negativity more “sticky” than
positivity?
No, Adam, I’m not. I’ll have to go do some research. It sounds very interesting!
I agree with your two points, too, Ann — I’m wondering, are you familiar with Appreciate Inquiry?
In a very small nutshell, it’s a way to approach change that moves away from problem-solving (let’s pick apart what’s wrong) towards positive-change (let’s see what’s working well and increase it, or see what has worked and do more along those lines).
It’s pretty cool stuff, and as it turns out, a whole lot more effective.
Here’s hoping!
Hi Mike – I think my pondering on this is twofold:
1) We should also acknowledge and reward positivity more than we do now (maybe people are more negative because negativity garners more attention and reinforcement!).
2) We shouldn’t confuse negativity with productive criticism. Being positive DOESN’T mean that we never say anything needs improvement or change. Communication with respect and a genuine desire to see improvement is a good thing!
Nice to see your smiling face on My Blog Log!
Ann
Great stuff here! So could a negativity discussion be the vehicle that we take on the road to positivity? Positivity being the desired destination?
Irene –
I think you and Marie definitely have a point. It’s interesting how it all comes down to context.
Thanks for your input!
Ann
I agree with Marie. When someone opposes our beliefs, we immediately ask for a reason. I guess reason our answer to why we tend to respond on the negative than the positive.
Marie –
I do like the way you think and you bring up an interesting point.
I started out wondering why people are more likely to add to a “rant” or a complaining session (not necessarily a productive one) than they are to extend a positive conversation. Maybe one reason is that there’s nothing more to say about the positive situation without becoming repetitive???
Unfortunately, in my experience most of the “negative points” are not uncovered in search of a solution. They’re used as tools to protect oneself (at least the person thinks that’s how it will work) or to vent (indulge oneself).
Learning from things that didn’t go as we expected and inquiring of those involved is not what I would call negativity. That’s productive and an important part of improvement.
It’s a fine line.
Thanks for your comment!
Ann
I think we are used to respond on negative things because we want clarification and understanding for the mistake, problem or disturbance. While good things are nothing to worry about because they are safe.
Hi guys!
Interesting point of view. I’ve been in that situation personally when I’ve had to stand up for someone on my team that the “corporate tide” had turned against. They were a good solid person, but one mistake was all the corporate “antibodies” needed to start attacking.
Interestingly, I was then accused of everything from favoritism to lack of vision to the inability to judge the person’s skill level all because I thought they made an honest mistake and could move past it with the right support.
Thanks for chiming in!
Ann
I’m with Adam
It’s easier and takes less courage to squash something than to stand for something. When you’re standing, folks can shoot at you. 🙂
Good question; I’d say negativity is more ‘sticky’ because being shut down (the result of negativity) feels safer than being open does.
Is it safer? I don’t think so. Is it more enjoyable? Heck no! But our minds evaluate risk, where our hearts go for love and joy. And most of us, unfortunately, tend to favor our heads over our hearts most of the time.
It’s a choice, though. And even though I’ve got voices, just like the rest of us, that would like me to play it safe… I do my best to choose positivity as often as possible.