ATTITUDE

Not-My-Job Nathan

Back Stabbin’ Brian

10 Tips Suggestions for maintaining a positive attitude at work or at school How to avoid the fate of Nathan, Patty, William or Brian Think of a person you consider to be successful, and write down at least 5 characteristics or traits that make them successful.

Tip 1 1) Hang out with positive people It’s the old question of whether the glass is half-empty or half-full If we surround ourselves with people who view the glass as half-full, you’ll probably focus on the positive aspects of work and school

Tip 2 2) SMILE Smiles are contagious What happens when you smile at people or they smile at you? You appear to be pleasant and upbeat You also usually smile and/or make them smile Also have a pleasant tone to your voice

Tip 3 3) USE HUMOR How is humor a good tool to use at the workplace? It can reduce tension Make people feel positive How many of you know a contagious laugh? – Or someone who laughs ALL THE TIME…

USE HUMOR It’s important to know when it’s appropriate or not to laugh at someone…in every day life (school, work, home) When are some times it’s NOT ok to laugh at someone? When are some times it’s OK to laugh at someone?

USE HUMOR It’s also a good thing if you are capable of laughing at yourself. Why? It can put people at ease Make them feel more comfortable knowing other people have a sense of humor

Tip 3 Humor Make sure you are careful with humor in the workplace What types of humor should you avoid? Humor that deals with… Sexuality Race Religion Etc… The damage that you may cause to someone else and your relationship if you misuse humor is NOT easily corrected.

Tip 4 Spruce up the work space Environment has a huge impact on the way we view a situation Agree? A dark, dingy work environment can wear down even the most upbeat worker. Example: Seattle, Washington

Tip 4 What are some ways you can make your work space more appealing and lively? Add a poster that makes you smile Pictures of family Comfortable chair from home Plants, photos, interesting objects Change out your dull light bulbs

Tip 5 Understand the big picture What do you think this means? Most young workers are not in the position to “understand the big picture” You must try and understand how your work helps the organization run. If you don’t, you may feel you work is of no importance. – Work that has no value is work not worth doing – This attitude can lead to bad job performances – Have any of you felt this way or are feeling this way now?

Tip 5 Find meaning in your work. There is honor in any job that’s done well EVERY JOB IS IMPORTANT TO SOMEONE. How many of you agree with this statement?

Tip 5 Purpose and Value in work What are some jobs that many people take for granted? Do you think businesses/society would run efficiently or effectively without these jobs?

Tip 6 Reward Yourself Reward yourself for your hard work Spend a little of your paycheck on yourself Don’t go out and blow your paycheck…just spoil yourself here and there

Tip 7 Avoid comparing yourself to others ESPECIALLY IF YOUR NEW We all have our unique place in this crazy world Some are more talented Some more beautiful Some more wealthy and better home lives Some more fortunate BUT: There are some people who are less talented, beautiful, wealthy, fortunate…

Tip 7 Who in here finds that you often compare yourself to others? It’s natural, everyone does it This usually results in a negative attitude towards life when we compare ourselves to others When you find yourself starting to compare, try focusing on the advantages you have in your life.

Tip 7 View yourself positively, not as the runner-up to someone else.

Tip 8 Break your routine Routines can be good for periods of time to build structure After too long it may cause boredom and a dull life.

Tip 9 Change your negative self-talk Self-talk – the conversation that goes on inside your head “I’m a loser,” or “This job really stinks.” These thoughts are the ROOT of negative attitudes

Tip 10 Move on If you try all the other tips, and still feel negative…move on Sometimes we just don’t fit in to that particular workplace If you’re miserable, do yourself a favor and look for a new job.

How’s Your Attitude The following statements relate to attitudes on the job. If you agree to the statement, put a “3” on your paper. If your response is maybe, put a “2” on your paper. If your response is disagree, put a “1” on your paper.

STATEMENTS 1) My job is important to my company. 2) I smile and laugh a lot at work. 3) I try to break up my daily routine. 4) I surround myself with positive people.

STATEMENTS 5) My workspace is clean and comfortable. 6) I take time to reward myself. 7) I tell myself that I’m a good worker. 8) My job has meaning to me and to other people.

STATEMENTS Total your scores for your responses If you scored between 20-24, you’re well on your way to a positive attitude If you scored lower than 20, you might need help improving your attitude.

THE LONGER I LIVE, THE MORE I REALIZE THE IMPACT OF ATTITUDE ON LIFE. ATTITUDE, TO ME, IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE PAST, THAN EDUCATION, THAN MONEY, THAN CIRCUMSTANCES, THAN FAILURES, THAN SUCCESS, THAN WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK OR SAY OR DO. IT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN APPEARANCE, GIFTEDNESS OR SKILL. IT WILL MAKE OR BREAK AN ORGANIZATION…A SCHOOL…A HOME. THE REMARKABLE THING IS WE HAVE A CHOICE EVERYDAY REGARDING THE ATTITUDE WE WILL EMBRACE FOR THAT DAY. WE CANNOT CHANGE OUR PAST…WE CANNOT CHANGE THE FACT THAT PEOPLE WILL ACT IN A CERTAIN WAY. WE CANNOT CHANGE THE INEVITABLE. THE ONLY THING WE CAN DO IS PLAY ON THE ONE STRING WE HAVE, AND THAT IS OUR ATTITUDE…I AM CONVINCED THAT LIFE IS 10% WHAT HAPPENS TO ME, AND 90% HOW I REACT TO IT, AND SO IT IS WITH YOU…