Whether you want to admit it or not, your attitude plays a large role in whether or not you are successful in your job. There is a story about a man who sat outside the gates of a city and as a traveler passed by, he asked what type of city it was. The traveler told him it was a terrible city full of awful people. The next traveler that passed by, the man asked the same question. That traveler answered that the city was wonderful and full of loving people. You see, you can try to fool yourself that your negative attitude comes from the environment you are in, but on the contrary, you chose whether you will be negative or positive. In leadership roles, you will definitely face your share of negative situations, but that does not mean your attitude or outlook on your success should be affected negatively.

How Does a Negative Attitude Affect Your Job?

When you have a negative attitude, you will complain more about your circumstances.Not only will your complaints about the situation be greater, you will find yourself feeling like there is no solution to the problems you are experiencing. When you have a positive attitude about your job and life, you will tackle issues that arise and believe there is a solution. Negativity causes you to stay in a mental slump where you do not handle problems, but allow them to make you feel more negative about your situation. You cannot accomplish your goals if you don’t believe that you can.

How Does Your Outlook Affect Those Around You?

Regardless of whether or not you have a negative attitude or a positive one, others around you will be affected. As a leader, employees will look to you to set the tone for the attitude they should take while at work. If you are negative and come across as defeated, then your subordinates will feel that you are not in control and they will also feel defeated along with you. On other hand, if you are positive and enthusiastic about the company, your employees will be more likely to feel the same way as you. More can be accomplished when everyone on the team is positive and excited about the job.

How do You Change Your Attitude?

Once you allow yourself to feel negative about your position or job, it can be difficult to change the way you feel about it. Here are a few things that you can do to help change your attitude:

• Stop Complaining– it is one thing to share some of your frustrations with work, but if all you ever say are negative things about the job, then you will not be able to change your attitude. You must change your speech from complaining to positive things about the situation. If you can’t think of positive things to say, then at least stop saying negative things.
• Take a Break– some time away from a negative situation can really help to change your attitude. Take a day off and re-focus yourself on something other than your job and title. Often times, those in leadership do not feel they can take a day off. However, you are harming your business if you never take a break.
• Spend Time Around Positive People– put yourself around other people that inspire you and help you to feel positive about your life. Positive people can help you find answers to challenging situations. Take advantage of their attitude to help you continue to grow your positive attitude.

These are a few things you can do to help change your attitude to be one of perseverance, passion, and excitement. When you have a positive attitude, you will tackle problems head on and find solutions to your issues. Your business can truly grow when you believe that it can and instill those same beliefs in your team.

If you have any questions about this article, or about how we can help you with your current team building, performance, leadership, strategy, and / or hiring needs, contact us today!

Written for us by our associate Gary Sorrell, Sorrell Associates, LLC.

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