SANGAM

Be Positive
Sangam Prasain

Do you feel irri tated at your bosses, parents or colleagues who always blame you for not toeing their ideas? Are they constantly pointing at your failure in pursuing a new course of action? Are you one among those who look for a reason as to why something cannot be done?
Do not worry! You are welcome to join an imaginative world with negative rules to find a solution to your problems. It is a common place where statements like ‘sorry’, ‘do not disturb,’ ‘try hard,’ ‘this is too much,’ ‘this will not work,’ and ‘there is no budget for it’ are common.
You do not have to speak here. All you do is roll your eyes and cross your fingers, and the writer in the imaginative land will write down your expression and give you the needed advice.
You can start to turn things around by understanding that the language of ‘no’ is often based on the fear of change, speaking up, taking risks and losing one’s job. There is also an ego problem, when your bosses, parents or colleagues do not want to support your ideas or they simply snarl at you when the status quo is perceived as requiring less effort.
These might be the reasons for negativity, but are there ways to turn the ‘no’ situation to a ‘yes’ one?
Sell the problem before the solution. The writer tells you, "By collecting the facts and proposing an idea that will address these downsides."
Promote the pluses by carefully outlining how your ideas will benefit the organisation. Use simple, non-technical language and smile when presenting the information, as advised by the writer. Most important, solicit the thoughts and opinions of others and ask for feedback when presenting an idea.
"Look for opportunities to involve colleagues in brainstorming, planning and implementation. Do your assignment and present well-formed ideas, and make sure that you give enough room to others to participate and develop some sense of co-ownership."
If you do not have enough credibility with the organisation due to your position and experience, think about finding a mentor or someone to convey or sponsor your idea.
If an idea similar to yours has failed in the past or has never been tried, then tackle it again by trying to understand why it failed in the past.
Negative encounters teach us many things, such as where other people’s boundaries are, how to be more persuasive, even where our own blind sports are. No one can help us to see other people’s point of view more clearly. They may even show ways to become more creative. It is much better if we take the ‘No’ as a personal challenge rather than as a rejection.
Here are some ways to ensure that you do not contribute to the world of ‘no’. Ultimately look for the things you like at home, work place and elsewhere.
Do not say, "Yes." Instead, say, "Yes, and here’s how I can help make that better." When you feel the urge to say no, think about your motives and share your concerns. Remember that it takes courage to say ‘yes’ and appreciate the people who are positive towards their motives.