Do you ever find yourself stumbling around your workplace wondering, “Where is the love?”

I’ve been in professional environments where the tension was so thick you could practically taste it. People literally hated one another. They actively worked against their teammates. The gossip and backstabbing and flat-out sabotage was almost comical. Like something out of a movie. Office Space with a really negative twist.

Anyway, if this sounds familiar, I just want you to know you’re not alone. And you’re also not powerless. The attitude you bring to the table can actually have an enormous impact. Much bigger than you probably realize.

When you bring the love—when you soak yourself in it and spread it around freely—it just continues to grow. Love, like herpes, is super contagious (with less social stigma). People can’t get close to you without feeling its powerful pull. And once they’ve caught it, they’re hooked. They become carriers.

I’ve seen it happen over and over again. The hardest part is getting the ball rolling. Starting that love chain reaction.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, I want you to be the love instigator in your workplace. I want you to bring it, full force (no kissing required).

Here are a few simple ideas to help you bring the love back to your workplace:

• Compliment someone.
• Bring a treat to share with everyone. Put it in the break room with a note that says, “From Your Secret Admirer.”
• Tell a team member who often gets overlooked how much you appreciate his or her work.
• Ask an overworked teammate if you can help take something of his or her plate.
• Think of a co-worker who has helped you in the recent past. Send an email to his or her boss and explain how much it meant to you.
• Smile more.

What will YOU do to bring back the love? Please share in the comments!