No, we're not talking about foolish glee or glazy-eyed denial here, but we do believe that there's a surplus of whiners in the world (and thus, the workplace). Remember Pollyanna, the bright and optimistic child in the book by Eleanor Porter? Isn't it just a little bit pathetic that "Pollyanna" has become an insulting slur, while being a Naysaying Nelly, Cynical Sal or Victor Victim is like wearing a badge of honor?

The trick is to be neither foolishly optimistic nor overly cynical, but rather positive with a capacity for healthy questioning. The problem? Many a Negative Ned are shocked to find that others see them as negative naysayers! That's where being aware of our everyday filters and trying on new perceptual lenses can bring a refreshing new perspective into view. You may notice things that your usual filters screen out altogether, and not to your benefit.

Tip
• How do your filters limit your view? Try this quick, easy exercise.
Take a look around the room or office in which you now sit. Notice everything brown in the space. Now close your eyes for a moment, and mentally scan the room with your "inner eye", trying to remember what in the room is red or blue or green. And be honest (don't scan the room for the second color just to "pass" this test. Once you've closed your eyes, pick a color other than the one you selected to notice with your eyes opened). If it's easier, ask a friend to participate with you, picking the second color once you've closed your eyes.

• Try wearing a new pair of Perceptual Glasses today.
Instead of going through the day in automatic mode, unaware of the filters that affect your every interaction and judgment, start the day by choosing a filter through which you're going to pass observations throughout your day. Notice, ideally in a notebook or journal, how your Sample Glasses change your thinking or your interactions. For today's routine interactions, let's say that your Perceptual Glasses will be one of the following:

• Today you will pass every thought through the filter (or assumption) that your job for the day is to be of service to others; or,

• Today you will pass every thought through the assumption that others, at their core, just want to help you and the organization; or,

• Today you will pass every thought through the assumption that, while you like and can keep or share your opinions, others have the right to think differently.

• Or, if you're usually excessively optimistic and never question a thing, today you will pass every thought through the assumption that, while it may not be negative, there's more to the person or situation than meets the eye, and you have to ask at least one question before assuming you understand the situation.

Obviously, the "dose of healthy questioning" enters the picture in cases in which you might be in real jeopardy, so don't assume that the person following you as you walk home in the dark at night has your best interest at heart! A little common sense is never an excess!

For other tips on assumptions, judgments and filters: