You Are Either Part of the Solution or Part of the Problem—the Choice Is Yours

I firmly believe that in life, you are either part of the solution or part of the problem. I have seen many people who started out as positive contributors become jaded or cynical and start gossiping or talking badly about management. Everything is wrong and everyone is stupid. No one knows what they are doing. The place is a joke. Sound familiar?

For these people I have the following suggestion—either put up or shut up. There are certainly times when things in an organization are being run in a suboptimal fashion. If you have a suggestion that can possibly improve the effectiveness of the team, then step up and make it. If there is a talent or experience that you possess that can benefit the team, then offer to share it. Otherwise, shut up! As my mother often told me, “If you have nothing good to say, then say nothing at all.” Every day, ask yourself the question, “Am I part of the solution or am I part of the problem?”

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