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According to the Business Dictionary, attitude is: “A predisposition or a tendency to respond positively or negatively towards a certain idea, object, person, or situation. Attitude influences an individual’s choice of action, and responses to challenges, incentives, and rewards (together called stimuli).”
One of the most essential, and often overlooked, steps towards achieving your full potential in business is attitude. It might surprise you, but it greatly impacts your work performance, your relationship with your team and even how you interact with other ‘players’ in your field.
“The winner’s edge is not in a gifted birth, a high IQ, or in talent. The winner’s edge is all in the attitude, not aptitude. Attitude is the criterion for success.”
Dennis Waitley
What world-famous writer and consultant, Dennis Waitley, points out is that we have more power than we actually think regarding what shapes our productivity. How? By accepting the fact that no matter what happens with us, what really matters is how we choose to respond. For example, some days, things might not go according to plan. Dealing with constraints outside of your control and when stress levels are highs, can make anyone panic or turn ineffective. However, a true leader should be calm, stay confident and make sure the team feels safe and inspired to keep moving ahead. Leading by example can be the key element to putting out fires.
Make ordinary people do extraordinary things
How can you achieve that? With the suitable attitude. A lot has been written or said about the importance of hiring the “right people”, when in fact focusing on cultivating a positive attitude in the workplace with the staff already in place, can transform individuals and boost your company forward. In this respect, a change in paradigm is surfacing as many companies focus more on making the people in the organization productive through intense training, education or by participating in engaging team buildings within the budget.
A good example of a company that plays its cards right and focuses on the clients and how to bring real value to them is LoanMart. They have a blog that constantly tackles real issues customers might have, while also offering practical and useful solutions. Clients are satisfied, and the business’ sales and status have improved significantly.
As a result, the necessity to focus on the clients is obvious, but why focus so much on the team?
The advantages are numerous, and when staff members feel safe, stimulated and encouraged there is a feeling that anything can be accomplished. In relation to a business, I will enumerate some benefits of investing in people:
- Increased productivity;
- Improved customer service;
- Ability to overcome adversity;
- Willingness to think creatively and try new things;
- Willingness to share information and ideas;
- Lower turnover.
Create a compelling future for your business
Let’s do an exercise together. Think of a person that you really admire. What is the first thing you like or is memorable about them? For many, the answer given was the way they’ve felt towards him or her. It can be a story told that made others relate, or a piece of advice that sparked a positive emotion. Basically, people influence others, first by their attitude, and then by how accessible they make themselves to others.
How does all this information apply to the business world?
If as a leader or manager, the individuals you interact with (investors, clients, staff) do not feel comfortable or do not like being around you, then they will find ways to avoid you or keep interaction to a minimum, which can lead to dire consequences. Therefore, people need people to move forward and gain recognition. To do that you need to be impactful and trusted.
The likeability factor can harm your business, and you should focus on communication first, to establish rapport. When you think about discussing new goals, be transparent, because if you try to fake it and be someone you are not, your team will sense it and you will lose their trust. Without trust, no successful business ever stands the test of time.
Moreover, all great success stories highlight the crucial role of people. Of course, that major aspects like implementing a sound strategy, having a marketable product or service, plus having efficient processes are all important, but they will all fail without the people within the organization to actually execute them so as to ensure a profitable business. Additionally, research in the area has shown that employees who feel valued and engaged are 24% more likely to increase sales.
All things considered, owning a business and keeping it afloat is a demanding task, but with the right attitude in the workplace, people can accomplish tasks faster and in a better manner, accelerating your company’s gain and improving your reputation.
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This content is sponsored by Alex of Smartguestposts.
Photo by Taylor Grote on Unsplash