A veteran executive at the world’s largest retailer has issued a stark warning to job seekers and employers alike: chronic negativity is the most undesirable trait in candidates and employees, regardless of their qualifications or experience. This insight highlights a growing shift in hiring and workplace culture, signaling the critical importance of attitude over aptitude in the modern Thai and global job market.
For Thais eager to secure new opportunities—especially as the job market evolves in response to a shifting economy—this advice arrives at a crucial moment. The nature of work and organisational culture across Thailand is rapidly changing, influenced by both digital disruption and global best practices. According to CNBC via YourTango, a leading executive emphasised that perpetual pessimism and a tendency to highlight problems without offering solutions stand out as major red flags for hiring managers. “Nobody wants [to hire] a Debbie Downer. You know they’re going to show up [and] they’re going to bring the problem, never the solution. I like people who bring the problem and a suggestion for how they might resolve it,” the executive explained.
The executive’s observations mirror long-standing psychological research indicating that a negative mindset can deeply affect not just an individual’s job performance but also overall team morale and cohesion. In the context of Thailand’s collectivist work culture, where harmony and group cohesion are highly valued, a persistently negative attitude can be especially disruptive. Local studies by Thai HR consultancies have found that employees who regularly express complaints and resist new initiatives are less likely to be promoted or to receive positive performance reviews, regardless of their technical skills.
Experts highlight that while authenticity and honest communication about workplace challenges are important, unchecked pessimism and constant criticism can erode trust and lower the performance of entire teams. Dana Maloney, a disruptive therapist cited in the article, explains that “learning to hone optimism, as a skill, can increase satisfaction, risk-taking, self-esteem, and so much more.” In essence, while the traditional Thai virtue of ‘kreng jai’—a desire not to upset or burden others—sometimes leads workers to avoid negative feedback, there is still a distinction between providing constructive input and being chronically negative.
Workers and job seekers are encouraged to reflect on how their communication and attitude might be perceived. The executive specifically praised those who “deliver what you are expecting at the time that you’re expecting,” and noted that being proactive—delivering work ahead of deadlines and exceeding expectations—are “green flags” sought by employers. Openness to new opportunities, willingness to take on more responsibilities, and the ability to propose solutions or seek help promptly further strengthen a candidate’s appeal. Importantly, fostering a spirit of sharing and mentoring, the executive added, is “the icing on the cake.”
Thai workplace culture, influenced by hierarchical norms and an emphasis on respect, often makes it difficult for junior staff to challenge the opinions of superiors or propose alternative solutions. Experts interviewed by the Bangkok Post note, however, that the post-COVID work environment and the rise of international firms in Thailand are encouraging new norms. “Younger generations are becoming more comfortable sharing ideas and challenging the status quo, but negativity still stands out,” said a Bangkok-based HR consultant.
The damaging effects of negativity extend beyond career progression. Psychological studies, such as those compiled in the Journal of Organizational Behavior, state that negative attitudes can contribute to workplace stress, increase rates of absenteeism, and even spill over into personal relationships. In Thai offices, where shared meals and group activities are central to fostering kaeng ruam—group unity—a pervasive sense of pessimism or cynicism can undermine these social bonds, making it difficult for teams to collaborate or innovate effectively.
Historically, Thai companies have placed a premium on technical skills, education, and experience. However, international research and local trends indicate that soft skills—especially optimism, empathy, and adaptability—are becoming just as vital. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for Thai employers. As local companies compete internationally and hybrid work models gain ground, fostering positive workplace environments may offer a decisive edge.
Looking ahead, hiring managers in both Thailand and worldwide are increasingly likely to use behavioral interviews, psychological assessments, and even AI-driven screening tools to identify candidates’ attitudes during the recruitment process. Candidates are now frequently assessed on their ability to propose solutions, support colleagues, and create a constructive environment. The traditional advice to “keep your head down and work hard” is, in itself, no longer enough.
Thai job seekers can take practical steps to boost their professional appeal. Rather than suppressing concerns or “faking” positivity, candidates should focus on presenting problems alongside possible solutions in interviews and workplace meetings. Volunteering to mentor junior colleagues, participating in team-building events, and enrolling in soft skills workshops are effective ways to build a reputation as a positive, solution-oriented contributor.
Employers are encouraged to foster an environment where constructive feedback and diverse viewpoints are valued but to remain vigilant against the spread of persistent negativity. “Companies that prioritize psychological safety, regular feedback, and recognition programmes help set clear expectations for attitude alongside performance,” explained an HR director at a leading Thai conglomerate.
For individuals and organisations alike, the message is clear: In today’s interconnected workplace, the right attitude is no longer just a “nice to have”—it is a decisive differentiator. Chronic negativity not only hinders personal career growth but can weaken entire teams and companies. As Thai society continues to balance respect for tradition with a drive for innovation, adopting an optimistic, proactive, and solutions-oriented mindset will be crucial for professional success.
For those aiming to advance in their career, now is the time to invest in self-awareness and resilience training, seek out feedback, and look for opportunities to help others at work. In the competitive Thai job market, showing that you are a contributor and not just a critic will open far more doors than relying on technical skills alone.
Sources: YourTango, Journal of Organizational Behavior, CNBC, Bangkok Post HR trends.