I have read countless articles over the years about what not to say at work.  Things like:

• “It’s always been done that way”
• “I’ll Try”
• “That’s not my job”
• “I hate…”
• Put in your favorite here ___________

Obviously these are things people should avoid saying.  The challenge is getting people to avoid thinking this way.  If you are a Stinker Thinker, here are some things you can do:

1.  Hang around more with really poor employees.  You will look like the rockstar of the bunch.

2.  When things are getting really difficult, use up a bunch of your sick days.

3.  Plan your vacation around the time when you know things are the busiest.  This will keep you off the implementation team.

4.  Find scapegoats.  You need to have a 1/2 dozen folks at work that you can blame to make you look good.

5.  Become really good friends with your boss so that you can get the easy tasks and not get fired.

Did that help.  No?  Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.  Here are some good ones. 🙂

1.  Spend time at work with positive people who accomplish goals.  If you really watch and ask questions, you will learn how these rockstars get it done.

2.  Train yourself to search for the silver lining in all things.  This will be challenging. Sometimes you just want to be mad.  The problem with that is you drift back into the negative.  Find something –even the smallest thing– that will be a benefit.

3.  Step out of your comfort zone regularly.  Volunteer for things.  Look, we are all “busy” at work.  We do however have time for projects that can make our jobs exciting.  This way when change comes you are on the front side of it.

4.  Find a new job.  I mean this.  Life is too short to be miserable in your job.  It may take some time, but in the end a change of scenery may be just what you need.

I am not an expert on this subject, but I do play one in this blog post.  If you have ideas to help folks, please share them.  Happy people are productive people.  Those are the folks I look to have on my team!