When you don’t address negativity in your business, it will spread among your team. This leads us to this post on the best way to handle a negative team member in your business. 

The first thing you need to do when you see negativity happening you have to address it with that person. 

We can’t expect it to go away; the earlier it’s addressed, the better. But remember, it’s not about confrontation. It’s more so about having a conversation. Brushing it under the rug or ignoring that it’s happening is NEVER a good idea. 

When you deal with the reality of it early on … this will not only help stop its spread but, ultimately, it should show the person that you’re not interested in broken telephone or otherwise miscommunication — you are far more interested in connecting with them and seeing what’s up and how you can help. 

Before you go into this conversation, check your motive. Make sure you’re having the discussion to diffuse the situation, not light a torch to it. 

1. Let’s make sure this person feels heard. 
2. Let’s make sure we go in and not judge. 
3. Ensure that you are going in with grace. 

This isn’t about going in on attack mode … remember this is a conversation. 

Ways of Dealing with the Negative Team Member

The following are a few ways (and a summary of the video above) to work with a negative team member through less-than-favorable situations. 

The Sandwich Approach

1. Start with a compliment — the GOOD. 
2. Address the situation. 
3. End on a positive note. 

This approach helps take the guards or defensiveness down on both sides. 

Create Positive Behavior 

Remember, you’re not conversing with this negative team member to tell them what to do. We would much rather you be the catalyst to helping this person come up with the tools so that everyone can work through whatever the situation is. Whether it be gossip, lack of results/performance, drama, etc., the goal is to work through it — together. 

There are 2 ways to address things with a negative team member coming to us with drama … 

First, ask them if they’re coming to you because you’d like to find a solution, and two, ask them if they’ve spoken with that ‘negative’ team member about it yet. 

Have tough conversations … 

And … if you find yourself having the same conversation with the same person over and over again, there are a few reasons this might be happening;

1. Poor personal development 
2. Limited emotional intelligence 
3. Haven’t bought into the team culture 

(And others, for sure … but we’ve found these to be the most common)

The good news? Those things can be improved without question IF that negative team member is open to that. If they’re not, the sad truth is — they will find their way out. 

Lastly, remember that at the end of all these tough conversations … YOU are protecting the golden goose, your business. In network marketing, this includes your business, but it also has your team and your company. So Nix the negative nonsense from the get-go, and EVERYONE wins that way!