Positive Attitudes at Work (Part 2 of 2)

In my previous post, I argued that positive work attitude is what makes a workplace the best workplace there is, and that it is indispensable to career success. No doubt that as a professional, you were hired because of your education, skills, and experience. But another big reason, where many young professionals don’t know, why an employer chose you over other candidates is simply because of your positive attitudes. How, you may ask? Based on more than a thousand interviews I made in my career, attitudes (good or bad) easily surface during the interviews, and even prior to the interview itself, like waiting for the interviewer at the lounge. Okey, I will not delve on that. That topic deserves a post of its own.

How do you develop positive attitudes at work? Let me state, that it should be your objective or goal to identify the positive attitudes that you need to develop as you go about with your work everyday. But here, let me offer Six (6) KRA’s (Key Result Areas -pardon the HR jargon there) that you need to take actions on:

(1.) Develop Personal Branding. Learn and strive to do things that will make you stand out. While others are contented with half-hazard or mediocre jobs, do yours in pursuit of excellence. Like an artist, make each work or project accomplished a signature of your great workmanship.

(2.) Make a difference in all that you do, including in the way you rationalize job issues. This KRA is actually an extension of the above preceding it. Do I need to add more? Here: always find a better way of doing things -never be contented with the status quo.

(3.) Develop your ‘People Skills.’ You will stand-out if you show genuine interest on people you work with. Sometimes in our drive to please our bosses or beat deadlines, we take no regards of others. This is a big NO-NO in the corporate world. Make your co-workers and subordinates feel comfortable working with you. This way, you can accomplish more as a team.

(4.) Develop a Sense of Humor. “A merry heart doeth like a medicine.”

(5.) Be Positive Always. There is no cure for an optimist. Negative attitudes or pessimism, on the other hand, could lead to poor work performance, inefficiency, bad work relationships, and worse, delay in your promotion. Be positive in spite of setbacks, failures, or errors. People around you will respect you more for that, and they will look up to you for guidance and encouragement when they are on the same predicament.

(6.) Cultivate Humility. History considers Abraham Lincoln as one of the tallest yet humblest US President; hear his wisdom: Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power. Success, accomplishments, and promotions tend to make a young professional proud –don’t! Always keep your head low.

What is your final take on all of these? Let me echo what Catherine Pulsifer said in “All Is Going Well?”

The true test in life does not occur when all is going well. The true test takes place when we are faced with challenges. Some people have a positive attitude towards life only when all is well. However, when the going gets tough, their attitude changes instantly, and they become very negative or are consumed with self pity.

Be conscious of your attitude. Work extra hard at keeping your attitude positive in all kinds of weather, through all the challenges of life.

Now, let me hear your thoughts please. Cheers!