Page 40 - Twenty Four Lessons for Mastering Your New Role

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Ignore cynics

Win over cynics

Ignore cynics at your own peril.
Left unchecked, cynics can drain an organization of its enthusi-
asm and commitment to excellence. They think they already have all
the answers, so they don’t listen to reason. Laughing off their sarcas-
tic cracks isn’t a long-term solution, because they’ll perceive your
meek response as a green light to intensify their antics.
One of your toughest tasks as a manager is to shut down cynics
and prevent them from infecting morale. It requires constant vigi-
lance.
When employees make caustic comments, challenge them to
take a point of view and support it. Don’t accept cynical asides if you
privately agree or if you’re relieved the jab isn’t directed at you.
Respond to all such commentary consistently.
Say that a clerk, Tom, lambastes the “suggestion box” program at
your company. Don’t nod or roll your eyes as he dismisses the pro-
gram as a “joke.” Even if you share Tom’s disdain for the program,
don’t say so. Instead, invite him to elaborate. Ask, “What specific
steps do you think we can take to improve the program?” Shift the
focus from griping to problem solving.
Some cynics need a safe outlet to vent their opinions and obser-
vations. You may want to assign a trusted employee to “buddy” with
the cynic and serve as a sounding board. Have them meet periodical-
ly to share ideas and plan projects. Choose a “buddy” who can with-
stand cynicism well and who’s skilled at redirecting sarcasm into pos-
itive action.

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