Please click here to read the update submitted by Municipal Employees Chapter President, Rena Blackstock CPS/CAP.

1. Actions speak louder than words.
2. The attitude of followers reflects the attitude of their leader, and along with that, our attitude towards others determines their attitude towards us.
3. You become what you focus on: positive or negative.
4. As long as you have good skills, your attitude will not affect your career success. 

It is not “if” your attitude will show, but more accurately “what” will come out.  Whether you think about it or not, the way you carry yourself will be evident to others.  A person’s perception is their reality. So be careful with what you project or you may send an unintentional message.  This applies to the workplace, our home environment and other social gatherings. 

Let’s grade our quiz now. 

1.  Actions speak louder than words. (True)

The old saying “your attitude speaks so loudly I can’t hear what you are saying” is very true.  Our attitudes are the disposition we transmit to others, not necessarily our verbal words.  

2. The attitude of followers reflects the attitude of their leader & our attitude towards others determines their attitude towards us. (True) 

The leader sets the tone.  If as a leader you want to develop a cohesive team, check your own attitude first.  Some key points to look at yourself are the willingness to do what it takes to get the job and being available. Others will also share your enthusiasm as the project will be perceived as important and worth the time.   

As a team member, we must show respect to each other and for different opinions.  Your attitude cannot say “that’s a stupid idea” and expect others to consider your suggestions with an open mind. 

3.  You become what you focus on: positive or negative.  (True) 

I found this saying by Brian Tracy, “You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you.”  Do not let circumstances rob you of your joy.  How you look at a situation, “is the glass half full” (positive) or “is it half empty” (negative) will determine your attitude.  There has also been medical research to indicate people with positive attitudes have fewer health related problems.  That is not to say we shouldn’t look at things realistically. 

There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.   W. Clement Stone 

4.  As long as you have good skills, your attitude will not affect your career success. (False) 

It is easier to teach hard skills than change someone’s attitude.  Especially if that person is so entrenched in their mindset and not open to change.  Most people do not even realize they need to change.  Their attitude is “this is the way I am, and if you don’t like it, tough”.  Even if you are known as being very knowledgeable, if you cannot develop positive relationships with those you will work with, ultimately you will be at a disadvantage.  With today’s job market, your attitude needs to convey that you are a team player, ready to do what it takes to get the job done.  Companies are downsizing and duties shift.  The attitude “that’s not in my job description” is seen as a liability.  

At sometime everyone is in need of an attitude adjustment.  Several factors can contribute to this need. It could be external or environmental circumstances, problems with self-image, or unexplainable negative feelings.  Before these feelings become out of control, minor adjustments on a daily or weekly basis should be routine.  A few suggestions to help you with this are: 

•       Exercise
•       Diet
•       Mediation/spiritual /quiet time
•       Doing for others
•       Hobbies/gardening 

As everyone is different, you will need to find what works for you as an individual.  Just remember to be careful, your attitude is showing.

 You may wonder – how do I do this? How do I be thankful instead of complaining? One example is the rain. We have been very blessed, especially the last few months, with rain. How many of you have complained about it raining or wished it would stop? How many of you were praying for rain last year and at the beginning of this year? Yet when we got it, did you start complaining about it instead of being thankful that we were getting enough to fill the lakes back up?

 This same philosophy can be applied to any situation – instead of complaining, look for something to be thankful for. It may mean taking a totally opposite view of how you normally look at something – stepping outside your comfort zone and looking at things totally different. This can be very hard to do and it takes lots of practice but it can be done. When you start to complain or think/speak negatively, stop yourself. Instead think about what you can be thankful for about the situation or person.

 With the holiday season fast approaching and the biggest shopping day of the year drawing closer (the Black Friday ads have started appearing), it is important to remember to take the time to be thankful and appreciative of what we have instead of being resentful of what we don’t. There is enough stress in all of our lives without us creating more. So next time you are up early enough, take time to watch the sunrise, admire the colors and how the reflect in the clouds. Look at the horizon and see how the trees and/or buildings look against it. Or, when you are out and about coming home from work or running errands, take the time to admire the sunset and be thankful for the opportunity to watch the sunset, for the completion of another day, for being able to run errands or to have a job to come home from.

And what lies before us

Are tiny matters

compared to

what lies within us.

                                                                               Emerson

A very special friend gave me this poem when I began my journey on the Georgia Division Board and I keep it on my desk at work. Every time I read it I am reminded of our Chapter. We have always been fairly small in numbers, but mighty in strength.  In January we will celebrate our 14^th anniversary and I think it is amazing that we continue to be a close knit group of professionals dedicated to giving 100% to whatever task we undertake. Whether it’s a community project, proctoring an exam, hosting Student Conference or Annual meeting, or honoring our bosses at a luncheon, our Chapter has always been successful because of “what lies within us”; dedicated, caring, members.

The members of our chapter definitely display Excellence in Action by their unselfish giving to others. I was so proud to see our members in action on November 7^th and 8^th when we proctored the CPS and CAP exams. Many members were at the test site before 7:00 a.m. Saturday morning making sure the candidates had hot coffee and something to eat before the first test. Other members prepared and served a hot lunch, and throughout the day members dropped by to offer words of encouragement.  Because of the Municipal Employees Chapter those sitting for the exams were able to relax, laugh, and enjoy good food and fellowship between the tests. Thank you to each member who played a part in making this possible!

As I look back over the last 14 years, I remember the obstacles we overcame to establish this chapter and the successes we have enjoyed. No one knows what lies before us, but I am confident that “what lies within us” will enable our chapter to continue being successful!