We need to make the positive so loud that the negative is impossible to hear.  – George Couros

Combating negative isn’t about becoming negative ourselves; that is hypocritical.  We combat the negative by doing two things:

• We intentionally act and create positive energy. We know that words are important – and actions are even more important.  We choose our words with purpose and our behavior reflects our values.
• We choose to empower other optimistic people. We know we are stronger as a team.  Optimism is contagious.  Optimism spreads because our group and organization are dynamic.

Don’t permit negative people to monopolize your time or overpower the agenda.  Yes, we will all encounter negative people.  Listen and respond, but do so with positive behavior.