I agree with the intent of your assertion but would say that artificially creating a positive environment (such as in a team culture which doesn't like discussing challenges or dealing with conflict) is not healthy.
I think maintaining an optimistic outlook should be the goal which has elements of staying positive.
Projects tend to generate conflict that must be resolved to achieve deliverables, and desiring an "always positive" communication style may inhibit constructive discussions needed to resolve conflict.
On the other hand, one should never use negative, toxic, or counterproductive communication to drive their point across.
However, there is a balance to maintain between having an optimistic outlook on the project versus having an always positive communication style. Saving Changes...
The benefits of positive communication are often overlooked and people should be conscious of their phrasing. This isn't just about optimism, but also achieving the intended result.
There is a real psychological component here with a very observable effect. Imagine the case where you are driving a car, and there is a hazard ahead. In sports there are common phrases like "Where the eyes go, the body follows." If you focus on the obstacle, your body will reflexively steer you towards it. Instead you must focus on the safe path around the obstacle.
The same is true in the office such as the difference between "Don't be late." (failure) and "Be on time." (success). One is focused on the risk, the other is focused on the plan for success. Phrasing things in the positive rather than the negative can have a real impact on outcomes. Aside from focusing on the desired outcome and team morale, it can also affect your status reviews with senior stakeholders. When your verbs are negative, you are likely to get assigned extra work to avoid the negative outcome. When they are positive, it portrays that you have things under control and you are less likely to get unwanted "help".br type="_moz" Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Navaid, for the most part I agree but communication should be more than just positive to be successful. It should be efficient, effective and transparent communication! Saving Changes...
If by „negative“ you mean disrespectful communications then I believe there is no place for that.
I think a few cynical statements here and there could be relatively harmless, or possibly even a good root-cause conversation starter. However, widespread cynicism or a single very cynical individual should be addressed. Saving Changes...
George FreemanThought Leader | Author | Architect| Florida, United States
Navaid,
Denigrative language directed towards others or oneself is always toxic and has no justifiable value.
However, some forms of “negative talk” do have intrinsic value. For instance, “dialectic contention,” a form of dialog wherein two or more people holding or representing different points of view “challenge the veracity (i.e., truth)” of a position through reasoned argumentation—has value.
This approach is used in many professions (including ours) to break down barriers that impede success. Still, this dialog would be uncomfortable and viewed as “negative talk” by an uninitiated observer.
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