IAAP – Municipal Employees Chapter

Let’s start off with a little quiz, True or False.  

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.