Topic > Validation and Negativity in the Workplace

We have all experienced negativity in the workplace more often than we think. Negativity is inescapable; If you haven't experienced it yet, you're a rare breed. It has rather become a part of the work environment rather than a problem to be addressed. Most negativity is the result of not being able to decide or not being recognized. Let's get this straight: Who doesn't need validation? Are we all doing well? The lack of this often results in frustration which results in negativity. Gone are the days of gossip around water coolers, after the digital boom this negativity has moved online making it difficult for people to hide behind screens. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Karyn Hall, PhD in her blog post on PsychCentral states that self-invalidation and invalidation by others make recovery from depression and anxiety especially difficult. Some believe that invalidation is a major contributor to negativity. Negative people often bring down your morals. Luckily I experienced this early in my career and it's something I've taken with me as learning. In 2012, I was interning at one of the biggest advertising agencies in Mumbai and of course I was full of excitement and emotion. All pumped up after my bachelor's degree, I was ready to start learning and working in this amazing place. However, the manager I reported to wasn't so keen on having me on board. Being a freshman in the industry I was like a sponge, soaked in everything I could. Constant comments about how young and inexperienced I was continued to be filled with negativity. I had just moved to Mumbai a month ago from a small, quiet town in Goa, I was always keeping up with the big city life. Negativity at work affected everything from engagement to productivity. No one likes working in a toxic work environment. Dealing with negativity can really be difficult, especially in a place where you are supposed to be creative and productive. It is often out of our control, so we have to learn to deal with these situations and there are some ways around it. Our reaction is often to see or experience negative or unfavorable behavior and do one of two things: ignore or complain about it. These are natural reactions, yet decidedly counterproductive. On the contrary, invalidation is one of the most harmful forms of emotional abuse. According to Dr. Jamie Long, one of the four options available to us in any problematic situation is acceptance. Validation is a way we communicate acceptance of ourselves and others.