From my Dissertation to a Leader’s Practical Guide how to respond to Negativity in the Workplace
As an organizational development consultant, I've walked into numerous rooms filled with tension, skepticism, and outright hostility. One particularly memorable moment came when a frustrated physician slapped his hand on the table, demanding, "What are you saying, Russell, that we're supposed to be a team?" That confrontation was a turning point, crystallizing my understanding of workplace negativity's devastating impact and igniting my personal mission to combat it.
Over my 25-year journey as a business owner and leadership consultant, I've witnessed the insidious effects of workplace negativity firsthand. From toxic gossip to systemic distrust, I've seen how negativity can transform vibrant workplaces into environments where employees survive rather than thrive. This personal experience and my doctoral research interviewing executives across multiple industries revealed a crucial truth: while negativity can spiral downward quickly, positive change is equally powerful when adequately activated.
"Spiraling Up," launching on November 1st, is the culmination of my work with nearly 500 leaders and insights from over 100 social and psychological workplace studies. The book introduces the SPIRAL framework – a practical, research-backed approach that has been rigorously tested in the field and proven effective. This isn't just theory; it's battle-tested wisdom from the frontlines of organizational change, designed to instill confidence in its effectiveness.
What excites me most about this launch is the opportunity to share a message of hope. I've seen firsthand that transformation is possible, even in the most challenging environments. We can create workplaces where people feel valued, engaged, and empowered through authentic leadership and strategic intervention. As we approach the November 1st release, I'm filled with energy and optimism, knowing that we can help leaders worldwide turn the tide from negativity to lasting positive change.