ASK ALAN: The Importance of ATTITUDE in Business
“Is ATTITUDE in business, everything, or one of many things?”
—L. Millman, Franklin, MI
In business, while ATTITUDE is one of many things…it’s undeniably the most important thing!
An organization’s leader sets the tone
We can agree to disagree on the above. However, in my opinion the attitude of the leader sets the tone for everything the business does. It always trickles down. Attitude sets the spirit for the company’s culture. As a result, it impacts employee behavior/productivity, customers and vendors.
Here’s what some experts say about the importance of attitude
Attitude is more important than the past, education, money, circumstances or, what people do or say. It’s more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill.
—Charles R. Swindoll
A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It’s a catalyst that sparks extraordinary results.
—Wade Boggs
The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude.
—Oprah Winfrey
Contrasting attitudes
Most people seem to agree about the importance of attitude in business. Here are two contrasting attitudes from the animal world:
The Dog’s Diary
8:00 am – Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am – A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am – A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am – Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm – Milk bones! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm – Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm – Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm – Dinner! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm – Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm – Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm – Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
The Cat’s Diary (Day 983 of My Captivity)
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.
The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. To disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a “good little hunter” I am.
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of “allergies.” I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.
So, entrepreneurs and small business owners, ask yourselves…
What type of attitude will serve you and your business best?
Have a question? Ask Alan…
If you have a small business question email it to Alan: alan@alan-adler.com. Questions may be combined and answered in an upcoming column of “Ask Alan!”
Alan Adler is an Executive Coach, Business Consultant & Speaker. He’s worked for Westinghouse Broadcasting, as a producer/director and with senior management at AT&T, as a corporate spokesperson. Additionally, Alan has been an entrepreneur, creating and growing his own business, Alan Adler & Associates. As a result, he knows management, media and marketing. Alan specializes in helping entrepreneurs through prominent corporations, improve profitability. He lives in Huntersville, NC with his wife Mindy. They have two grown children, two adorable grandchildren, and a rescue dog named Bentley. Additionally, Alan has written two books to help businesses solve problems. The titles are: “Getting the Fish to Swim to YOU & Keeping Them in YOUR Boat” and “Upstream.” Both are available an .Amazon.com.
