This is one of the most common things seen, yet you feel you are alone. Everyone feels that they are the only onces going through something like this, or that they have it the worse. The truth of the matter is that until they replace everyone with computers, you are always going to be faced with “attitudes”. Here are steps that have worked for me in the past.

 Tip One:

Talk about positive, light-hearted things to draw focus away from a worker’s bad mood. A bad attitude can surface in various forms as the result of a negative personality trait or in reaction to an issue (either personal or work-related). Avoid focusing on the negative. Ask about his kids, if he saw the big football game last night or heard about a funny event in the news. Humor, a smile and friendly words can be effective tools to break down attitudinal barriers.

Tip Two:

Show appreciation and encouragement. A terrible day is made less horrible when someone pays you a compliment or thanks you for a job well done. Kind words can come from a coworker or supervisor and involve a person’s work or physical appearance. If you know someone is having a tough day, give her a boost in confidence. Let her know that her hard work is noticed and appreciated.

Tip Three:

 Offer to help. If someone is frustrated by something occurring within the workplace, try to help him out. Ask if he is OK and if there is anything you can do. The best places to work are those where all employees treat each other like family or good friends. Collect money for a coworker going through a financial crisis or offer to bring someone lunch who can’t leave the office. Even subtle showings of kindness can make someone look at things from a different perspective.

Tip Four:

Meet privately. Everyone has bad days, but those who hold onto bad attitudes for long periods of time eventually start to affect those around them. Pull these workers aside and ask if they want to talk about their problems. Knowing that someone cares and is listening can provide great comfort. If productivity and work quality begin to suffer, it is necessary for supervisors to step in and alleviate the situation. The initial meeting should not be confrontational but show compassion and understanding while addressing the real issue.

Tip Five:

Inflict a punishment or issue an ultimatum. People with difficult attitudes act that way because their cockiness, incessant whining, uncooperative behavior or abusive actions have gone unpunished for years, according to Nancy Aldrich, human resources superintendent of Illinois Parks and Recreation. Aldrich explains that these negative behaviors often go unaddressed in the workplace, despite obvious negative consequences upon business operations. Establish a performance evaluation system that involves a series of warnings and write-ups leading to termination of employment if negative behavior continues. Fill out paperwork for each write-up that is signed by the employee and supervisor. This is needed in case legal action is filed against the company by a fired worker. If workers want to keep their jobs, their attitudes will change.