Too often, people express themselves negatively without even realizing it. If your writing contains a lot of “no’s” and “not’s,” it’s a signal of negative writing. Using positive, self-assured, optimistic language is a better way to promote your ideas. Here are examples of negative sentences turned positive:
Question: "I realize this sounds like a Jerry Springer episode, but … My husband and I work in the same office. A new co-worker has been openly flirting with him. She hugs him, rubs his shoulders and is constantly touching him. And she frequently does this in my presence! I know it’s silly, but her behavior really bothers me. What should I do?" — Worried Wife
Q. Exactly what qualifies someone as an "exempt" employee?
Question: “I oversee the contract janitorial crew. How do companies deal with the problems of keeping the lunchroom and refrigerators clean during the day? I struggle with the time between the daily cleanings. Anyone have any suggestions?”—Rachel
Question: “I’m wondering how other companies handle this situation: A worker is out on vacation leave (paid) and she gets sick during some of the vacation. Do companies allow employees to exchange those vacation days for sick days and let the worker take the vacation days another time?” — Belinda
Question: “I’m not getting any decent salary offers during my search for a new job, so I need to figure out whether my expectations are reasonable. I do know that I’m being underpaid in my current position. I served in the military for several years and currently work for the federal government. Next year, I will complete my business administration degree. Do you think I receive low offers because I have not yet obtained my degree or because I’m not marketing myself well?” — Worth More Money
Question: “I need help communicating with a younger boss. As I am over age 50, most of our managers are younger and think they know everything. They tend to listen to the younger, fresh-out-of-college administrators. I don’t have gray hair, I dress appropriately for my age and always act professionally. Any other ‘experienced’ administrators with the same issue?” — Anonymous
Question: “I am a female executive assistant who works for a female boss. When I answer her telephone line, the callers often mistake me for her. I have been answering the phone, ‘Dianne Smith’s office, this is Mary Lynn speaking.’ Does anyone have a better suggestion?” — Mary Lynn Burrows
Question: “I feel that I am being ignored because of my age. I am a young employee who recently attained a position in which I have to interact with top-level managers. When I request information from them, I find it difficult to get responses. I believe they are not taking me seriously. How should I handle this?” — Young & Frustrated
Question: “A co-worker uses the monthly staff meeting as a forum to openly criticize my work unnecessarily. Unfortunately, when put on the spot, I become defensive rather than putting an end to her bullying. What can I say to her to stop these monthly put-downs? Should I tell her that if she has something to discuss with me, the staff meeting is not the proper forum and she should address her concerns to me privately?” — Anonymous