Facing cynicism with grace
Historically, cynicism was a virtuous ancient Greek philosophy which placed an emphasis on reasoning, ethics, and simple living as the basis of achieving happiness. All of which is a far cry from what we associate cynicism with in the modern workplace.
Every organisation will encounter moments when cynicism surfaces—whether it’s due to challenging circumstances, a period of uncertainty, or changes within the business. Most times these feelings arise due to misaligned communication, policies, procedures or outcomes, and no matter how an environment of cynicism has arisen, it’s helpful to nip it in the bud as it can spread quickly if left unchecked. It is like a weed that needs to be pulled up by the roots the moment it is noticed and long before it has the chance to spread and take over a carefully-cultivated positive and productive work culture.
Dealing with a detractor, skeptic, or pessimist can be tricky and this Harvard Business Review (HBR) article has some helpful tips. The article cites studies which show that “cynics earn less money over the course of their lives, are more likely to experience depression, and are at greater risk of heart disease than noncynics are.”
Tips for facing cynism with grace:
- Understand the root cause ~ recognise that cynicism is typically rooted in unmet expectations or a perceived lack of transparency. When people feel disconnected from the company’s vision or skeptical about changes being made, they may express it through cynicism. Acknowledging the emotional weight behind cynicism allows us to approach it with empathy rather than defensiveness.
- Trust should be the default ~ creating a culture where people feel safe expressing their doubts, frustrations, and even skepticism not only builds trust, it also bolsters a culture of collaboration. In fact, open dialogue can act as a pressure valve, helping teams release pent-up frustrations and feel more connected.
- Lead with integrity and transparency ~ when people see leaders being honest, following through on promises, and addressing concerns directly - it builds trust. Cynicism often festers when there’s a gap between what is said and what is done. Closing this gap by being transparent—especially when facing challenges—shows that we value authenticity.
- Transforming cynicism into constructive dialogue ~ one of the best ways to face cynicism with grace is to encourage constructive dialogue. Cynical remarks often come from real frustrations, but instead of allowing them to fester, channel them into opportunities for feedback and improvement.
Handled correctly, cynicism can be reframed as a catalyst for positive change rather than a destructive force. It can lead to more engaged employees, more thoughtful leadership, and a more resilient organisation. All the more reason to handle it with grace.
Jimmy de Waal - Sales and Marketing Director - KYOCERA Document Solutions South Africa
