Negativity, if tolerated in an office, can be a killer. I agree with Don Bright's posts above. It is the job of the office manager to set the tone of the office for the traders, and to quickly take care of a negative situation if it arises. I have seen this personally several times. A few years ago I had a buddy come down to an office I was trading in and he was placed in an empty station next to an experienced trader known for the outbursts. I just waited with a smile on my face until BANG, the guy went off and threw his yellow pad across the room at the mini blinds (which makes a lot of noise) and made a big crashing noise as he stood up and kicked the trash can. My buddy almost soiled his pants. It was the last time he came down to trade at that office. What a distraction. A good manager will knock that crap right out. Ironic thing is, the guy with the outbursts was really a super nice guy, I guess that is why he was tolerated, either that or he did a ton of volume.