Bad Moods are Contagious

Source: AICPA CPA Insider

If you have a grump or complainer in your firm, his or her mood can spread rapidly. The grump may think his mood has no effect, or that he can conceal it. He is probably wrong.

Management and leaders should try to control the spread of bad moods. Here is some advice:

• Tell people they can create positive emotions, suppress negative ones, and can learn to “turn on” at the right times.
• Help people understand that moods are contagious, and are probably obvious.
• Ask them to smile. A smile, even if artificial, is better than a frown.
• Ask them to be tolerant of the moods of others.
• In one-on-one meetings with grumps, try to discern the root of their problems, and empathize with them. Try to reveal to them how they display their feelings—tone of voice, body language, facial expressions, disagreeable comments, etc.

From AICPA CPA Insider, May 14, 2007, www.cpa2biz.com. For the complete article, click here.