By Lisa Purichia
Partner, Director of Accounting Services & Retirement Plan Services
Email Lisa
Just 30 minutes of daily complaining can damage your brain. A Stanford University study shows that grumbling — or listening to others’ gripes — for half an hour a day can shrink the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for solving problems and forming new memories. Of course, those two tasks are vital in the workplace.
As world-renowned emotional intelligence expert Dr. Travis Bradberry said, complaining in the workplace is much like lighting up cigarettes around co-workers and harming them with second-hand smoke. It leads to a toxic work environment.
As a business owner, you’re responsible for the health of your team, which depends on your attitude. So, ask yourself now: Do you need an attitude check?
Think about how you interact with co-workers on a typical business day. Do you provide encouragement amid their challenges? Do you combat their insecurity by showing confidence in them? Your attitude surely rubs off on them, so make it a positive one!
A study at ABES Engineering college “found that positive thinkers coped with stress better, which enabled them to work more effectively.” Therefore, approaching your team members with positivity will lead to a more enthusiastic, efficient and productive workplace.
“The power of positive thinking” isn’t just a popular phrase among motivational speakers — there’s science behind it. Studies show a correlation between positive thinking and increased creativity, clearer thinking, enhanced problem-solving skills, etc. There’s even evidence of physical benefits, such as lower blood pressure, better pain tolerance, and greater resistance to illness, such as the common cold — meaning less employees out sick in a positive-thinking workplace!
Your attitude ultimately complements your brand image. A company with high morale will attract and retain employees and clients, which will ultimately help you build a rock-solid reputation in your community and beyond.
Use the 30 minutes you might spend complaining to drum up positivity instead. Compile a list of the work that’s made you proud in a given week. Take a minute to compliment a co-worker on something they’ve done. Post an inspiring quote or story on the company newsfeed. Just a little bit of positivity goes a long way.
For more advice on the importance of attitude in your business, please contact Lisa Purichia at (317) 608-6693 or email her.