I was recently accused of being negative. Well, I admit to sometimes expressing a negative opinion or idea. However, I don’t consider that indicates that I am a negative person. Sometimes a negative can have a positive result.
For example, a negative statement can create thoughtful debate. It can act as a counterbalance to wild and unrealistic optimism. If a person or organization only sees the positive, then it is likely that person or organization will get into some very negative results.
I agree that one should always look for the good in another person. However, being blind to the bad traits can lead to disaster. Certainly, a positive outlook for a new or modified business venture is a good thing, but only to the degree that one remains cognizant of the downside potential.
So, is negativism a good thing? I believe it is so long as it serves a purpose and is not allowed to dominate. Uncontrolled negativism will depress an individual and stunt business growth. So, as the saying goes, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater”. There is something to be said for being a contrarian, either positive or negative.
A strong leader must always strive to strike a thoughtful balance between the positive and the negative.
What some call negative, I call realistic. Optimism needs to be based on facts not illusions.
Thanks, Larry. Good point, Jerry, and too often ignored.
Interesting read Ken. Thank you for sharing.
What does “being negative” really mean? The last time I was told that I was being negative, it was because I disagreed with an estimate for a multi-billion dollar program. I felt the estimate was too low because the underlying assumptions were very “optimistic”.
Every time I hear that I’m being negative, it was a political silencing tactic. It was a tactic used to quell deeper analysis and deeper discussions done by my stakeholders and my sponsors involving key risks and significant levels of financial investment.
So I’m “being negative” because I disagree with someone, and that someone can only silence me, only discredit me by saying I’m “being negative”.
Excelent point, Chris. “You’re being negative,” is certainly used as a tool to make one back down.