The Nega Virus in the Marketplace?

Dr. Mario Denton

Have you ever thought about assessing the Nega virus in your organization? Nega viruses, permeates organizations daily and can cause lowered morale, disillusionment and poor productivity. The combination of these variables will eventually destroy an organization's ability to survive in a highly competitive environment. On the other hand, however, organizations too easily allow these viruses to fluctuate.

Organizations need to measure their frustration with management, the personal regard between management and staff, the feelings about future prospects, the organizational vision. the negativity of co-workers, the consistency of management, flexibility in the workplace, interpersonal relationships and encouragement, their recognition and reward systems as well as inspiration and rejection levels on a regular basis.

The three major causes of organizational negativity are mismanaged change, inappropriate norms, and problems related to levels of trust.

If the organization is likened to a well then optimism is the catalyst that keeps the water moving in order to avoid stagnation. To test the implementation progress, the water has to be scooped out of the well with a bucket - and it is what is in this bucket that counts.

Research has shown that the energy factor plays an important role in determining success through dynamic change. High-energy organizations tend to be more flexible, innovative and creative and have a greater sense of urgency, which allows them to make split-second decisions that affect their survival. They spend a great deal of energy on ascertaining and meeting the customers' needs, they have self-managed teams and focus on external market variables, rather than on internal hierarchical needs such as subservience, control and rigid adherence to outdated management structures and techniques.

ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS:

• Do you lack enthusiasm for your job?
• Do you dread getting up and going to work?
• Do you hate the thought of dealing with the internal politics?
• Do you avoid certain individuals so that you just don't have to deal with the frustration of interacting with them?
• Are you tired of inconsistencies in an office where direction, strategy, policy or procedure can change from day to day?
• Are certain philosophies and attitudes preached but not practised?
• When a new programme is initiated, do people think "This too will pass"?
• Do you find yourself looking forward to either resigning or biding your time until retirement?
• Do you feel that, no matter how hard you try, you simply cannot make a difference?

If you have answered yes to the majority of these questions, then you could be spreading the nega virus.

Remember Psalm 7:17 Oh, how grateful and thankful I am to the Lord because He is so good. I will sing praise to the name of the Lord who is above all lords. It is an important thing that we are thankful towards God. How thankful have you been lately? You can become thankful in the following ways:

1. Think about three things that you can be thankful for.
2. Allow thankfulness to rise in your heart.
3. Develop a 'thankful' way of life.

PRAYER: Lord, I am so grateful for Your goodness and mercy in my life. Amen.

Phone: + 27(0) 82 88 29903.
Email: mario@crown.org.za
Website: www.crown.org.za

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