#HRTrends

Senior leadership at one of the world’s most influential retail corporations has delivered a compelling wake-up call that resonates throughout Thailand’s evolving professional landscape. The executive’s candid assessment reveals that persistent workplace negativity has emerged as the single most damaging trait that undermines career advancement, regardless of technical expertise or educational credentials. This revelation arrives at a pivotal moment for Thai professionals navigating an increasingly competitive job market where emotional intelligence and collaborative attitudes determine long-term success more than traditional qualifications alone.

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.