Dealing with the negative

I was speaking recently at a convention in Arizona when someone posted a question about negativity that subsequently allowed for a teaching moment.  Here’s the set up.  An organization is in a meeting.  There is someone who has a negative streak a mile long who tries to stifle discussions about new ideas  claiming anything new must be approved by the groups board of directors..  The concern was over relatively new members in the group to become discouraged and disinterested if their ideas are not at least heard. 

This could be a viable solution. I told the questioner to let the person with the negative streak know that he was right, the board of directors had the final say.  But at the same time, everyone in the group at a meeting or in another arena is entitled to have a say.  This did not mean that the person who had the idea would actually see it approved.  But at least they would be heard. 

This example allows both people to maintain their positions without alienating anyone.  The person who has the new ideas fells empowered because they have been given the opportunity to share and advocate for their idea.  The person with the negative streak who insists on things being done the same way has also remained engage and should not feel rebuked.  The board of directors does, if you’re recall, have the final say!