Developing a positive attitude is a lifelong process—and it’s good for your career.

If you think you’re the only one affected by your attitude at work, think again. Whether you greet each workday with a smile or a frown, people around you will sense how you feel. What’s more, they’ll see evidence of your attitude in your performance.

“Success at work requires more than talent and knowledge,” says Roger Fritz, author of The Power of a Positive Attitude. “Talent and knowledge are essential—but the key that unlocks them both is a state of mind.”

Your attitude, Fritz explains, is related to your worldview, including how you interpret your circumstances and the actions of others. It affects your own actions, too.

For example, having a positive attitude makes you more dependable. You’ll be more likely to trust and respect other people, have pride in your work, and give credit to others when credit is due—all qualities that people around you will value highly and make your life more rewarding.

Build Toward the Positive
Building a positive attitude is a career-long process, Fritz insists. It begins with assessing where you are now: Are you a problem bringer or a problem solver?

You may be so used to looking at things in certain ways that you don’t notice how your attitude is contributing to your successes or failures. Take a good look at the following high- and low-value traits. As you start cultivating more of the high-value ones, you’ll notice your attitude improving, too.

A positive attitude is related to high-value traits.

For example:

• You learn from mistakes and don’t give up easily.
• You do your best on the job.
• You demonstrate enthusiasm in most of what you say and do.
• You’re willing to grow and take steps to prepare yourself for advancement.
• You welcome change rather than resist it.
• You’re willing to take risks.
• You cultivate a sense of humor and avoid taking yourself too seriously.
• You get some joy and fun out of your work.
• You have a sincere interest in other people and their needs and wants.
• You listen well.
• You’re a good team player.

A negative attitude, on the other hand, brings low value.

For example:

• You regularly sidestep problems, hoping someone else will handle them.
• You blame others when things go wrong.
• You don’t worry about deadlines or about arriving late to work.
• You delay completing projects and avoid prioritizing or planning for the future.
• You talk frequently about how much others depend on you but rarely compliment others for their competence or good work.

If you see there’s room for improvement, realize it’s possible to change the way you feel about yourself and other people.

Your success in this endeavor can be measured step by step. Set clear goals so you have a standard to measure by. Notice when you engage in negative self-talk and try to minimize it. Regularly remind yourself of your personal assets, competencies, and achievements. Aim to develop optimism, and keep your eyes open for new opportunities.

“Success builds confidence,” Fritz notes. “The more you focus on developing a positive attitude, the more you’ll find success, even when confronted by failure or obstacles. You’ll feel better about yourself, have more confidence in the future, and be more productive in the present.”

Polly Turner spoke with Roger Fritz, author of The Power of a Positive Attitude: Discovering the Key to Success, Amacom, 2008, $19.95.

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