Attitude counts: your attitude may be more important than you think. Here's how to improve it - focus

Welcome to the Tower of 'Tudes wax museum. We have floor upon floor of wax figures that represent employees who never understood that a bad attitude is the quickest way to lose just about any job.

Take our first figure for example, Not-My-Job Nathan. In the beginning, Nathan was one of the first salespeople in the auto dealership to jump up and greet customers or to help out in any way he could. But gradually he became more firmly attached to his desk chair. Whenever anyone would ask him to do anything that required him to leave his desk, Nathan would say, "Hey, that's not my job." One day the boss overheard Nathan and asked him to describe his job. Nathan opened his mouth, but nothing came out. You see, Nathan had no idea what his job really was anymore. The boss rolled Nathan out into the parking lot, desk chair and all, and poor Nathan was never heard from again.

Over here, wearing her tiara, we have Patty the Princess. From her first day at the restaurant, Patty made it clear to the rest of the waitstaff that she absolutely could not break a sweat, move faster than a stately stroll, get dirty, or--heaven forbid--break a fingernail. Patty's downfall came when one of the dishwashers didn't show up for work, and everyone agreed to take a turn at the sink. When Patty's turn came, the boss had to get her out of the ladies' room to escort her to the kitchen. As Patty lowered her hands into the water, she began to shriek like the witch in The Wizard of Oz. When last seen, she was running down the street screaming.

On the next floor, we find the sad figure of William the Whiner. William could always find something to complain about--the weather, the snack choices in the vending machine, or even the soap in the washroom. He was actually one of the most knowledgeable and skilled mechanics in the auto shop, but his whining and complaining were constant. Finally the other mechanics went to the boss and together, in Survivor fashion, they voted him out of the garage. When William arrived for work the next day, he found his toolbox and cover-alls neatly stacked outside the garage door. On top was a note that said, "Good-bye, William. Now you really have something to whine about!"

Farther down the hall, we come to Back Stabbin' Brenda. Don't be afraid--the only weapon Brenda used was her tongue, but it sure was sharp. While she was pleasant to everyone to their faces, when their backs were turned, it was a different story. She criticized everyone for the way they dressed, their hairstyles, even the way they talked. At lunchtime on Brenda's last day, she was mimicking the funny way the boss walked up stairs. Just then, the boss poked her head into the break room. The boss didn't say anything as she motioned to Brenda to follow her to her office. I wonder if Brenda was thinking about the way her boss walked as she escorted her out of the building?

OK, you get the point. No one wants to have a bad attitude on the job, but sometimes we all can slip into negativity. Here are 10 suggestions for maintaining a positive attitude at work (or at school), and for avoiding the fate of Nathan, Patty, William, or Brenda.

Hang out with positive people. If we surround ourselves with people who generally have a positive outlook, then our outlook tends to be positive too. It's the old question of whether the glass is half-empty or half-full. If you listen to people who view the glass as half-full, you'll probably focus on the positive aspects of work and feel more positive about life in general.

Smile and try a little humor. Smiles are contagious. If you smile when you encounter people, you appear to be pleasant and upbeat, and others respond in the same way.

Humor also goes a long way toward reducing the tension in any situation. The more people laugh, the more positive they feel. The ability to laugh at yourself also puts others at ease and lets you put things into perspective. In the long run, few disasters are really as bad as we think they are at the time.

A few words of caution about humor, though. Be careful not to make others the butt of humor. Hurt feelings and damaged relationships are the only guaranteed results. Be especially careful to avoid humor that deals with sexuality, ethnicity, or religion. If someone takes offense because of a careless remark or joke, the damage is not easily corrected.

Spruce up your work space. Environment has a big impact on the way we view a situation. A dark, dingy work environment can wear down even the most upbeat worker. Take control of your work space. Add a poster that makes you smile. Bring in a comfortable chair from home. Add a few plants, photos, and interesting objects. If you brighten up your surroundings on the job, you'll find that your attitude improves, and the attitudes of those around you will probably improve too.

Understand the big picture. Most younger workers aren't in a position to see the purpose and direction of the whole organization. If we don't understand how our work helps the organization run, we may come to feel that our work has no value.

Ask someone to explain the purpose and workings of your organization to you. If you understand how your daily actions contribute to its success, you're more likely to maintain a positive attitude about your job.

Find meaning in your work. It's important to remind yourself about the meaning and purpose of your activities. A wise person once said that there is honor in any job that's done well. We need to remind ourselves that every job is important to someone. If no one bagged groceries, then people would have a difficult time getting their food home. If no one mowed lawns, then many businesses would have a wild hay field in front of them.

No matter what your job, it has personal importance to you. Take the time to remind yourself of the purpose of what you do and the reasons you do it.

Reward yourself. Unfortunately, no one will remind you to take care of yourself--you have to do it on your own. Remember to reward yourself for your hard work. Spend a little bit of your paycheck on yourself. Buy a new CD. Get that sweater you've wanted. Go out with a friend to dinner and a movie. If you do, it will be much easier to keep your attitude positive.

Avoid comparing yourself with others. All of us fit into a place in the world where there are people who are more talented, more beautiful, or more fortunate than we are. There are also people who are less talented, beautiful, or fortunate. It's human nature to compare ourselves with others. The usual result is that we take on a negative attitude toward our life circumstances and ourselves.

It may sound corny, but try to focus on the advantages that you have in your life without longing for someone else's wealth or family background or looks. You'll have a much more upbeat attitude if you view yourself positively, rather than as the runner-up to some superstar.

Break up your routine. Routines serve a purpose in that they give our workday some structure. But over a long period of time, routines can also create boredom and drudgery.

Try a little variety in your day. If you can schedule your own work tasks, tackle them in a different order. Eat at a different spot for lunch. Take a walk or read a book at break time.

Break up the "same old ... same old," and you'll be more positive in your outlook.

Change your inner messages. Some psychologists say that our attitudes are formed by our own "self-talk." Self-talk is the conversation that goes on inside your head. Thoughts such as "I'm such a loser," or "This job really stinks," are the root of negative attitudes and tend to become accurate predictions of the future.

You can control self-talk if you pay attention to it. Try to stop yourself from dwelling on internal messages such as "I'm no good at this job." Substitute messages such as "I'm trying my best, and I know I'll get better at this." Focusing on positive self-talk will help you maintain a positive attitude.

If you can't get out of the negative rut, it may be time to move on. It's natural to get the blues every now and then. Even star athletes, famous actors, and highly paid CEOs get tired of their jobs once in a while.

However, if you try all of these suggestions, but you just can't get yourself out of your negative attitude, it might be time to move on. Sometimes we find ourselves in jobs that don't match our personalities or values or needs. If you're miserable on the job most of the time, do yourself and those around you a favor--start looking for a new job.

Remember, though, to avoid burning bridges. Exit a job with class and style so that you leave positive memories and a good reputation behind you. You never know when you might need a reference or letter of recommendation.

If you ask any successful business professional, he pr she will tell you that a positive attitude is the most important ingredient for getting ahead. Maintaining a positive attitude does take some work. In the long run, though, people with positive attitudes are happier and more successful than those with 'tudes--unless, of course, you hope to end up as a figure in a wax museum.

How's Your Attitude?

Here are some statements that relate to attitude on the job. Choose
the response to each statement that best matches your attitude.

                                               3       2         1

1. My job is important to my company.       Agree    Maybe   Disagree
2. I smile and laugh a lot at work.         Agree    Maybe   Disagree
3. I try to break up my daily routine.      Agree    Maybe   Disagree
4. I surround myself with positive people.  Agree    Maybe   Disagree
5. My workspace is clean and comfortable.   Agree    Maybe   Disagree
6. I take time to reward myself.            Agree    Maybe   Disagree
7. I tell myself that I'm a good worker.    Agree    Maybe   Disagree
8. My job has meaning to me and to          Agree    Maybe   Disagree
   other people.

Total the scores for your responses.

If you scored between 20 and 24, you're well on your way to a positive
attitude.

If you scored complete the action plan on page 12 to help improve your
attitude.

Attitude of a WINNER

"I was really shy in middle school," Paul Campos says with a smile, "but I learned to open up through getting involved in student activities." Paul is anything but shy today. He is president of his school's student council, holds a starring role in the high school musical, and plays on the tennis team.

"My attitude is that I'm going to be what I want to be, and I'm not going to conform to what other people want me to be," he states firmly. "I think people respect that."

Paul attributes his success to his positive attitude. "I don't work well if I'm in a bad state of mind," he explains. "If I fall behind in a tennis match and get down on myself, there's no hope for me after that."

"I try to have fun in everything I do," Paul continues. "If I'm not successful at first, I try to make it an enjoyable experience by doing little things that make a difference."

What little things make a difference for him? "Sometimes I just try to sit up straighter and concentrate harder, but other times I do goofy things that help me feel more comfortable," he explains. "I love music, so sometimes I'll kind of dance in my seat," he adds with a chuckle.

Paul's winning attitude has certainly paid off for him. He recently received a scholarship from his area chamber of commerce and was accepted to Syracuse University, where he plans to study mathematics and computer science.

Paul offers this advice to other young adults: "Don't let things get to you. Stay close to good friends, and always be yourself."

take Action

My Action Plan

Need a little attitude adjustment? Here's an exercise that will help.

1. What factors at school or work have a negative effect on my attitude?

2. Some of these factors may be beyond my control, but many are not. Which factors do I have at least some control over? List them.

3. How can I change any of these factors to improve my attitude?

4. Which of the 10 suggestions for improving attitude can I use to improve my attitude at school or work?

Once you have answered the questions, you are ready to make up an action plan. Pick one factor at school or work that has a negative effect on your attitude. Then describe how you can use the suggestion you mentioned in number 4 above to improve your attitude. Be specific.

Students will understand the importance of a positive attitude toward work and will learn how to improve their own attitude.

REVIEW/DISCUSS

1. What are some negative attitudes often found on the job? (laziness, whining, back-stabbing)

2. What are ways to avoid negativity? (Seek positive people, use humor, be tidy, understand the big picture, find meaning in work, and try new routines. Use positive self-talk, reward yourself, and don't compare yourself with others.)

3. How does an understanding of the "big picture" help someone to improve his or her attitude?

4. How can workers learn to see the big picture?

ACTIVITIES

* Ask students to write down the name of a person with a great attitude who can serve as a role model. Then have them describe that person's attitude and give examples that illustrate it.

* Have groups of students role-play these types of poor attitudes on the job:

complaining

lazy

disorganized

arrogant

gossipy

tardy

dishonest

critical

uncooperative

uncaring

bossy

* Invite to class (or have students interview on their own) someone who has a positive attitude about work. Find out how the person views work, deals with frustration, and stays upbeat.

* Discuss the consequences of having a bad attitude at work. Ask students to draw diagrams showing the possible ramifications.

* Have students complete Reproduction Master 1, which is related to attitude.

* Invite students to share their experiences about working with people with poor attitudes and how they avoid becoming negative on the job. As a follow-up, have students interview employers about the attitudes they value in employees.

* Bring to class humorous cartoons such as "Dilbert" and articles related to work and job stress. Talk about how to find the humor in difficult situations.

* Ask students to brainstorm ideas about how to use self-rewards and new routines to keep a work experience fresh.

* If possible, form a panel of students who work and have them explore attitudes on the job--and how to develop a positive attitude.

"Developing a Positive Attitude," video, $49; "Attitude Alert," video, $79.95; Jaguar Educational, P.O. Box 11930, Dept. G5, Charleston, WV 25339; (877) JAG-8200. "Your Positive Attitude and Motivation," video, $89; "Making It on Your First Job," video, $89; Meridian Education Corporation, P.O. Box 911, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852-0911;(800) 727-5507.

Reproduction Master 1/Career World, September 2003

When used for educational (noncommercial) purposes, this Reproduction
Master may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher. No
other part of this periodical may be reproduced without the written
permission of the publisher.

Name--

It's All Attitude

1. Write down the positive self-talk you could use to enhance your
   attitude in each of these situations:

   a. Your boss seems to be picking on you.
   b. You have a big assignment that's extremely tough.
   c. You're overloaded with work.
   d. The shifts you get are not the ones you want.
   e. Customers are hassling you with complaints.
   f. You're tired at work because of staying up late.
   g. You don't get the promotion you had hoped for.
   h. Your computer isn't working properly

2. Rate yourself from 1 to 5 (1 being the lowest) on these traits that
   employers value because they contribute to a good attitude:

   --dependability
   --diligence
   --honesty
   --responsibility
   --cooperativeness
   --pleasantness
   --initiative
   --promptness
   --positive thinking
   --neatness

3. Complete this attitude assessment. Read each item and decide if you
   generally agree or disagree with it. Circle your choice. Discuss
   your answers with your classmates.

   Agree  Disagree  I approach new tasks with enthusiasm.
   Agree  Disagree  I'm flattered when someone gives me a tough job.
   Agree  Disagree  I don't let whiners get to me.
   Agree  Disagree  I smile a lot.
   Agree  Disagree  I try to find the humor in problem situations.
   Agree  Disagree  I realize that things won't always go my way.
   Agree  Disagree  I appreciate it when I get a break or someone
                      helps me out.
   Agree  Disagree  I try to keep things in perspective.
   Agree  Disagree  At the end of the day, I'm usually happy with what
                      I've done.
   Agree  Disagree  I don't think it pays to worry or get angry about
                      things.
   Agree  Disagree  When things go wrong, I am able to move on.
   Agree  Disagree  I take responsibility for my mistakes.
   Agree  Disagree  I don't blame other people for my problems.
   Agree  Disagree  Generally I like the people I work with.
   Agree  Disagree  I don't mind working hard because I like what I do.

Reproduction Master 2/Career World, September 2003

When used for educational (noncommercial) purposes, this Reproduction
Master may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher. No
other part of this periodical may be reproduced without the written
permission of the publisher.

Name--

Volunteer VIPs

1. Create a cluster diagram showing ideas for volunteer jobs that
   relate to each career:

   Teacher     Musician        Landscape architect  Nurse
   Writer      Hotel manager   Computer technician  Retail buyer
   Ecologist   Art director    Social worker        Government official

2. Research places to find volunteer jobs, and complete the following
   chart:

              Phone number   Web site   Types of jobs   Skills Needed
Museums       --             --         --              --
              --             --         --              --

Political organizations
              --             --         --              --
              --             --         --              --

Social service agencies
              --             --         --              --
              --             --         --              --

Arts organizations
              --             --         --              --
              --             --         --              --

Health care facilities
              --             --         --              --
              --             --         --              --

Schools and camps
              --             --         --              --
              --             --         --              --

3. Which volunteer jobs interest you most? Why?

   a.--
   b.--

4. How do these jobs benefit others?

   a.--
   b.--

5. What would be the career-related and personal benefits to you of
   these volunteer jobs?

   a.--
   b.--

6. If you were going to start a volunteer organization, what would it
    be? Why?

7. What is your action plan for volunteering in the future?

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