Nix the negativity.

Start by identifying the culprit

Ever know of a company that didn't have problems? Exactly. They're going to spring up. But that's not the biggest, well, problem. Rather, it's the negative person who can make everyday dilemmas into catastrophes with a simple word or action. Why should you care? Because office negativity is contagious, and it will eventually find its way to you.

Unfortunately, negative people are in every company. Gary S. Topchik, author of Managing Workplace Negativity (AMACOM, $21.95), has identified--count `em--14 negative types who can hamper office productivity.

1. The Locomotives: They like to strong-arm people with their angry and hostile behavior. They are known for making statements like "My way or the highway."

2. The Perfectionists: If it's not perfect, they'll let you know. Their own unrealistic standards cause them to reject work that others would praise.

3. The Ice People/Resisters: To them, change is Public Enemy No. 1. Their resistance to it can take the form of subtle or extreme sabotage.

4. The Not-My-Jobbers: Listen for "That's not in my job description." Refusing to do tasks--no matter how small--is their way of getting back at colleagues, managers, or the company

5. The Rumormongers: By spreading rumors, they regain control over environments or people that may have once made them feel powerless.

6. The Pessimists: No matter what you try to do for them, they will always be unhappy with the way things are.

7. The Uncommitteds: Company work is a low priority for them. Instead, they spend their clocked-in time taking care of personal matters or other interests.

8. The Criticizers: They disagree with everything, and love to be right--no matter what.

9. The Crybabies: Expect a lot of frowning, withdrawing, going off on tirades--even tears--when they don't get their way.

10. The Sacrificers: They are the company martyrs who come in early, stay late, and do whatever is asked of them. Then they complain that their hard work isn't appreciated.

11. The Self-castigators: They prefer to heap punishment on themselves, constantly finding fault with their performance and the progress of their careers.

12. The Scapegoaters: Since they can do no wrong, everything bad that happens is always someone else's fault.

13. The Eggshells: Any criticism or comment--no matter how mild--will cause them to crack.

14. The Micros: The pickiest of the negative crew, they love to focus on the smallest details and mistakes, without any regard for the big picture.

Now you know who the negatives are. Next month, we'll show you how to deal with them.