Success Is All About Attitude

Can the success of your business really come down to a matter of a positive attitude? According to many professionals the answer is an unequivocal yes!

Call it optimism. Call it enthusiasm. Call it "glass half-full."

Whatever you call it, having a positive attitude is also extremely infectious. This kind of attitude can have an impact on your customers and your staff. Who do you want to work with? Who do you want to do business with? How can you have a positive attitude? Consider these insights:

You Create Your Attitude

Believe it or not, the power to cultivate a positive attitude rests within you. No matter what might come your way, you have the opportunity to frame your reaction. Think about opening presents on your birthday. You could say, "That's not what I really wanted." Or "It's about time you got me a present." Or you could say, "I'm really touched that you thought about me." Here's a hint: the last option is framing that event with a positive attitude. The next time a crisis happens at work, no matter how big or small, stop before you react and figure out what would be the positive approach to that situation. By doing that you're taking charge of your attitude.

Focus on the Positive

What do you surround yourself with as you start your day? Is it the local news full of disasters? Is it websites with divisive commentary? Take a break from the negative and choose to focus on the positive. Even something as simple as a daily affirmation calendar can put you into a good mood. If all else fails, spend time watching cartoons with the kids. You can't really get angry if SpongeBob is starting your day.

Shut Down the Complainers

Do you know someone who can suck the energy out of a room with their negative attitude? Clearly, those folks need to read this blog post! Short of that, you might want to try and avoid those negative persons. At the very least you should only take them in small doses. As a manager is it your responsibility to stop that negativity before it can spread like a disease through the rest of your staff.

Choose The Right Words

What is your first response when someone asks, "How are you doing?" Is it, "I'm hanging in there" or a "meh?" That's not a positive response. Next time somebody asks them them, "Outstanding" and mean it! Yes, it can be as simple as flipping a switch. Change your attitude and watch your business change for the better. 

Keeping a Handle on Your Business

Operating a business successfully has often been compared to a high-speed train. When it runs at peak performance, it arrives at its destination on time. However, if it sits unused in the station, or is not maintained properly, it will cease running well and ultimately break down and fail completely.

Studies have shown that more than half of large business failures result from poorly designed business strategies. Many business leaders have the drive and desire but fail to properly assess the market or their abilities. It is not uncommon for a thriving business to adopt a new idea on the assumption that their notoriety alone will make it happen. "Biting off more than one can chew" has led to the downfall of many business giants.

Another common, and sometimes fatal, error is operating without any accountability. Even the boss has to answer to the board. When decisions are accountable, it makes them open to review by others and allows other sets of eyes to detect possible flaws. The smallest of companies – even one-person operations – should consult with someone else on major decisions. After all, none of us is perfect.

Sometimes change is necessary. Companies that have dominated certain markets have to change with the times or market conditions if they want to maintain their position. Failure to adapt can be suicidal, as there is always someone waiting in the wings to pick up the slack.

Leadership is a 24/7 position. Your employees look up to you and receive their inspiration from the top. A strong leader motivates by example. Failure to convey positive attitudes and emotions can lead to the downfall of your business. Even if your business takes a downturn, you need to continue inspiring your employees to work together with you to overcome. If you appear downtrodden, you can't expect your team to pick you up. The ship will go down with its captain.

Keep a handle on your business by charting your goals and progress. By maintaining control of a situation, rather than it’s controlling you, your train will speed forward to its next destination.

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