Winning in the Workplace with I-TALENT: A is for ATTITUDE (positive of course!)

“A” may be number 3 on the list of values that help you win in the workplace, but just like its position in the alphabet, what it represents in I-TALENT should arguably be the first thing you bring to the labour market.

I’m talking about Attitude…a positive Attitude.

Combining a positive attitude with an ownership mindset is important from the very start of your career. It means that your posture going into the workplace is that of a contributor, not just a beneficiary.

Every job you hold is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your talents while developing, strengthening, and refining them. You give value to get value.

A positive attitude becomes all the more important at those times in your career when you feel frustrated, treated unfairly, or even trapped.

Stephen Covey once said, "The way we see the problem is the problem." This means that your attitude shapes how you approach challenges. By embracing a growth mindset, you see obstacles as opportunities to learn and display Career Resilience in those times when everything that could go wrong…does!

• When you keep getting rejected or ghosted despite your many applications.
• When you’re running late for that interview and have to tell the recruiter even though they had already postponed the interview once because of you!
• When it seems like you just don’t know how to please your boss.
• When it looks like you were passed over for promotion.
• When you’ve worked at that organisation for far longer than you wanted but can’t leave because you don’t have a new job yet.
• When your colleague takes credit for that idea that you both came up with.
• When you’re expected to go above and beyond even though you’re not rewarded for your efforts.

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Benefits of a Positive Attitude in Your Career

Enhanced Productivity: Positivity fosters a proactive mindset, encouraging individuals to tackle tasks with enthusiasm, creativity, and a can-do attitude. This increases productivity at work and is beneficial for personal growth.

Effective Team Collaboration: A positive attitude promotes a collaborative and supportive work environment. Team members are more likely to work harmoniously when there's a culture of positivity.

Adaptability to Change: In today's dynamic work landscape, adaptability is a valuable trait. A positive attitude equips professionals to embrace change with resilience and optimism.

Increased Employee Engagement: When engaged with your work, you are more likely to contribute innovative ideas, stay motivated, and actively participate in achieving organizational goals.

In a recent LinkedIn post, Edememe Oladiji-Wusu talked about how you should be a “selfish” employee who derives personal and professional rewards from the workplace by intentionally engaging with your work. She says:

“I would get involved in networking and business development because it is a life skill that I would require now and in the future, as an employee or entrepreneur. So, the earlier I perfected the skill, the better for me.

“I would develop my team members because the better they are at their jobs, the easier my work would be.

“I would give my clients the best service, help solve their problems, and thus create a positive impression of myself in their minds and also in the minds of my senior colleagues.

“I would volunteer for projects and deliver excellently because I am intent on building a personal brand.

“I would work towards being such a valuable team member that if I were to submit a letter of resignation, I would be asked to reconsider.

“The capacity, skills, and knowledge that you get, all stay with you whether you remain with that employer or move. The relationships that you build, no one can take that away. The person that you become, nothing beats that transformation.”

With a positive attitude, you get the best out of your work and don’t allow work to get the better of you.

Effective Problem Solving: Individuals with positive attitudes approach challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset.

Stronger Leadership Skills: Leaders with a positive outlook inspire confidence, motivate teams, and create a culture of optimism. This, in turn, strengthens their leadership skills, fostering a work environment where individuals are more likely to perform at their best.

Improved Interpersonal Relationships: Individuals who approach interactions with optimism and kindness build stronger professional connections.

Enhanced Creativity and Innovation: Approaching tasks with a positive mindset helps more when you need to think outside the box, explore new ideas, and contribute to a culture of innovation.

Personal Well-being and Job Satisfaction: Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of a positive attitude is its impact on personal well-being and job satisfaction. Maintaining a positive outlook will make you generally happier in your role.

Having education, know-how and experience does not always guarantee that you will succeed in your career. Your attitude, however, will guarantee that you enjoy the journey on your way to your destination.

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Connect with me on Instagram @toyintalkstalent, Twitter @toyintalktalent, and Facebook - Oluwatoyin Puddicombe.

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