(August 2021) – Our culture has progressed to one that encourages us to focus on all of us working together for a common goal.

We currently are living and working during a time where things are unpredictable. It has impacted most of our jobs directly. The stress of our jobs has all increased. This stress causes us to lose patience, become short with others, and take things that are not supposed to be negative, negatively.

This can affect long-term work relationships. In a culture where we are encouraged to work together, the damage to those relationships and can take years to repair.

Everybody has to deal with stress in the workplace, some more than others. Whether it's having to do more with less or other stressful challenges, negativity can easily infect the workplace. Often, that negativity can manifest in snap judgments and erroneous assumptions about coworkers, especially in tense situations. In situations like these, we can feel overwhelmed with work and make assumptions about what others are not doing to help. We might conclude that some coworkers aren't doing their fair share.

It's important to realize there may be times when your coworkers make unfair assumptions about you that aren't favorable. The point is, because of our emotions, our view of coworkers is often seen through an incomplete lens.

So, what's the solution for a happier, less stressful, and more productive workplace? It’s the practice of positive intent.

What exactly is positive intent? Positive intent means choosing to assume that our coworkers are working to the best of their ability with the resources and information they have now. At its core, positive intent is believing that we're all doing the best we can.

In addition to saving valuable energy by eliminating unnecessary anxiety and negative emotional cycles in the workplace, assuming positive intent can improve your professional life in several other ways.

Reduced stress: How much would it reduce your tension levels at work if you assumed the positive in situations first? Think about the times you've jumped to conclusions and said something you wished you could take back. Or sent a gut-reaction email you wish you hadn't? Practicing positive intent can reduce or even eliminate these stressful events.

Greater efficiency and collaboration: A team that assumes positive intent with each other will usually be more efficient and better at collaborating because of improved communication. Without the typical barriers and walls that come from negative assumptions, everybody works better together.

Improved work relationships: Practicing positive intent has a strong impact on your relationships with coworkers. Once they sense your positivity, people will feel more comfortable with you and want to work with you on projects or initiatives. Also, positive intent lets others know you have confidence in them. People will often go to great lengths for someone who believes in them.

If you commit to practicing positive intent using these four steps, you'll soon find yourself naturally assuming the best in people. Doing so will not only strengthen your team and create a more productive workplace, you'll benefit personally as you instinctively start to assume the best with all the people in your life.