Do you know Debbie Downer?

Think back to when you went to work for the first time at a new job.  Chances are you were champing at the bit, and ready to make a difference!  A new employee's unchecked enthusiasm sometimes gets minimized by seasoned fellow co-workers, with comments such as, "...Well, you're still new...," or "...Just wait until...," inferring that as time passes, your enthusiasm will die down, and you'll fall into the "normal" work mode, which consists of doing a mediocre job with mediocre expectations (not to mention getting mediocre results).

Do you remember your first encounter with a "Debbie Downer" (someone resembling the fictitious character from Saturday Night Live)? I remember mine well.  I was ready to start my new job.  I hadn't even started yet, and I had run into a soon-to-be colleague of mine.  I was inundated with "...Watch out for this..." and "...Be careful that you don't let 'so-and-so' do..."  I hadn't even started the job, and I already had been "baptized" with a bunch of negatives about the place I was going to work at.  "Debbie" worked at a great place, with lots of positive things occurring every day, yet she focused on the things that were wrong with the organization, rather than telling me about the great things to look forward to.

Of course, while I listened to the warnings, I understood that I was an individual, with a unique perspective and drive to succeed at what I did.  I understood that I was not that person, for I had my own unique life history, background, and work habits, so I began my job with a fresh outlook.

I can't help but think, however, how much impact that discussion had on me since then.  Every time I saw her around the workplace, she always was just "okay," never "great." I am just glad that I realized I was in control of my feelings and my beliefs, and my job within that organization was always just as enjoyable as the first day on the job.  Every day is a new challenge, and with each challenge comes new opportunity.

Sometimes, you can tell the overall engagement of a co-worker simply by asking how they are doing on a regular basis.  If the answer is "alright," or "okay," and never "good!" or "great!" chances are this person is rather disengaged, and is functioning in "survival" mode, or they are working on "autopilot."  The person, if you ask them, claims they are working hard, or overworked, or doing their best.  The truth of the matter is they are "putting out fires" on a daily basis, rather than being proactive and focusing on setting and achieving their professional goals.  They are choosing to face each daily challenge as a burden or bother, rather than an opportunity for change and making a difference.

Below is a link to a great "Debbie Downer" video for you to enjoy!  Just remember that Debbie doesn't have the right to make you feel the way she (or he) does, unless you give her (or him) permission to do so!  Leave "Debbie" to sit alone at the table, just like the turkey does in the video. :)

Best wishes,

Victor

Saturday Night Live - Debbie Downer - Video - NBC.com