Dealing with low team morale
Nettie asks:
I work in a small team of eight people, many of whom have worked at the same place for at least 4 years. The problem I face is the low morale in the team: two people in the team are actively looking for new jobs, two are older (and waiting to retire, including the manager) and another is very stressed due to a heavy workload.
Generally there is a lot of reluctancy to improve the situation or the realisation that we have to get the day job done first and any new projects come second.
I am finding it hard to stay positive – do you have any advice about how to survive, without having to leave!
Hetal Shah says..
Nettie, you need create a shield around you that deflects all the negativity. I would have the attitude that most of these people will leave soon and once they do the workplace will be a better place.
Be resilient and have the attitude that they will not get you down and if you just focus on your work and what you need to get done then you will soon be able to ignore them. Focus on your results and what you want to achieve. You have a great philosophy in getting the day job done – just do it and soon people around you will see the results you get and they will soon follow suit.
Think of it as a challenge. Are you up for improving the situation? Think about how great it would be if in three of four months it is a great place to work because you took up the challenge. You probably have ideas to improve the situation – talk to people about them and maybe try and implement a few. Have you talked to your manager? Are there other people you can talk to? Have you addressed the situation with the other members of the team? Have you told them how you feel?
Find positive people and stick to them – this will help you create that shield.
Best Wishes.
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