by Joseph Wardy

Created on: January 19, 2009

As a a management development trainer, I have read many surveys regarding traits considered critical for success. These traits always include the following: Integrity, Communications skills, and Attitude. Put another way, let's look at attitude in the following manner: A is 1, T is 20, T is 20 I is 9 T is 20 U is 21 D is 4 and E is 5. Translation: These are the numbers of the letter in the alphabet and when added together they equal 100.

Is attitude 100 percent? No, as skill must accompany it but without attitude of what value are skills?. So, here are three suggestions toward building what I have observed from successful people:

1) Positive attitude is not positive thinking. The optimist says the cup is half full; the pessimist claims it is half empty. Both are half right. Suggestion: the glass is. Positive attitude here is adapting and accepting events and conditions without wishful thinking but the right action which produces change. We are conditioned to believe in our culture that positive thinking is the path of success. Consider that positiver thinking is grasping for that which does not currently exist and to change it requires doing.

2) A positive attitude does not fix blame on coworkers and the pointed finger usually follows the path of the hierarchy. Result: the people on the low end are blamed for what someone with a higher title is responsible for. From a psychological point of view, the time spent is immersed in negative energy. From a practical point of view, can you imagine the billions of dollars wasted pointing a finger rather than pointing toward a solution. We use the financial figures of millions and billions without much thought. A million dollars is spending a $1,000 a day for 3 years. A billion dollars is spending a $1,000 for 3,000 years.

3) We place a great emphasis in our workplace on " knowing and once we know its a "been there, done that" attitude promoting arrogance in the process. Suggestion: Approach each task and project as if it is the first or last time you will do it. That's a positive attitude in that it removes the alienation and separation caused by arrogance. When we know, we operate from the path of experience. An attitude of " don't know" is what the Japanese call "fresh eyes". " Don't know" is experiencing what is new inviting curiosity, the prerequisite of creativity.

Without claiming total validity , please consider the wisdom of the following quote: " You attitude and not your aptitude will determine your altitude"!

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