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Have you ever worked with someone who has a bad attitude? You know, the person everyone tries to avoid because they are so difficult to deal with? Or the person who sucks the oxygen out of the room when they walk into the room? I think we all have!
[callout]This post is part of a series based on the book Today Matters: 12 daily practices to guarantee success by Dr. John C. Maxwell.[/callout]
What if that individual is your boss? I recently had a conversation with a young leader who is struggling. He is a talented young man who wants to use his talents to make a difference. However, he is considering a career change.
During our conversation, I asked him why did he want to change jobs? He said, “I am not happy in my current organization.” I smiled and said go on. “Well, I just don’t like the work I am currently doing, and all my team does is complain,” he said.
I asked him to explain what he meant by “I don’t like the work I am doing.” He took a deep breath as he explained the people he worked with didn’t appreciate his gifts and talents. Of course, I asked him to give me some examples of the complaints. Over the next 10 minutes, he gave me several examples of situations where he felt his approach was a better way to address the problem, but management didn’t support his idea.
Next, I asked him to clarify his statement concerning the negativity of the team. He explained when he shared management’s decision; the team would grumble and complain. As a result, his team was struggling to meet its deadlines and had fallen behind on their production goals.
When he finished, I asked how did his perception of management effect his team. He looked at me with a puzzled look on his face. So, I restated my question. After a minute, he said “my perception doesn’t affect the team. I don’t tell about my concerns with management. They are just a negative group.”
As he concluded his statement, I was reminded of a quote from my mentor Dr. John C. Maxwell, who said, “your attitude is contagious.” The attitude the young leader saw from his team was a reflection of his attitude. Because his attitude towards management was negative, his team’s attitude was negative.
Why is your attitude important? Because according to Maxwell attitude is the difference maker! Your attitude is not only contagious, but it also determines other’s attitudes towards you. If you approach someone with a negative attitude, chances are they will respond in kind.
So how can you change your attitude when things are not going your way?
- First, understand who is responsible for your attitude. You are responsible for your attitude!
- Second, make a conscious decision to change your attitude.
- Finally, manage your decision.
Tune into your thinking, choice of words, and behavior. Make daily adjustments to your attitude.
[shareable cite=”Walt Emerson”]What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”[/shareable]
Remember today’s attitude gives me possibilities!
What can you do each day to monitor and adjust your attitude?
Your leadership guide,
Kim
Dr. Kim Moore | Your Leadership Guide | kimdmoore.com
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