Positive Attitude
It seems we live in a world where negativity is commonplace, self-criticism is encouraged and appraisals are most likely to emphasise what we could do better.
Working with what works for people
A positive attitude and focus on strengths are not the things first looked at when assessing personal development at work.
It seems we live in a world where negativity is commonplace, self-criticism is encouraged, and appraisals are more likely to emphasise what we could do better. No wonder mental health at work is such an important topic at the moment.
What’s wrong with a positive attitude?
Why have we become obsessed with our faults?
Focus on Weaknesses
Where is it written that concentrating on our weaknesses will somehow assist in our personal development?
Why would we think that focusing on failure was a good idea?
Personally, I think we are forgetting about a positive attitude and the power of praise.
Perhaps, it’s a British thing.
Acknowledgment
It seems we are particularly reluctant to say how well somebody else does something, let alone acknowledge what we do well ourselves!
Maybe there is an unspoken fear that we will appear arrogant or become complacent, to say what works about us is just heading for disaster.
In my years at Impact Factory, I have found the opposite to be true.
Presenting
Let’s talk about presenting, for example.
If someone tells you to stop doing this or avoid doing that, it’s not long before all you can focus on are those things, and any chance of giving a confident, relaxed and engaging presentation goes right out the window.
You feel suppressed and self-conscious.
How helpful is that for a positive attitude?
Positive Attitude – Focus on What Works
It is far more valuable to know what’s positive and works for us.
What are our strengths and skills?
One of the most effective ways of doing less of something that doesn’t work is to do more of something that does!
If we can learn to acknowledge these qualities, we can take a big step in our personal development and positive attitude.
The more aware we become, the more we can deploy these skills rather than just hoping they surface.
It is equally important to hear positive things from those around you.
Natural Strengths
What do they see as your natural strengths?
Often we forget that others see us differently than we see ourselves.
This is invaluable information, and a wonderful opportunity to create a strong bond within a team.
Try This Positive Attitude Test
If you’re worried that, perhaps, in all this praise we might never know what our weaknesses are, let’s try this little positive or negative experiment.
As quickly as you can, think of three things you could do better or that need improving.
Good. Now think of three things that you do really well, areas where you naturally shine
1) …………………………
2) …………………………
3) …………………………
Still waiting!
Increased Confidence
See, it is much easier to put ourselves down.
That’s the world we live in.
The challenge is to start looking at what works for yourself and others, come right out and acknowledge them.
This will increase your confidence and your ability to tackle more difficult areas.
Positive Attitude
Impact Factory runs
Tailored Personal Impact Training
and personalised
One-to-One Positive Attitude Skills Training
for anyone interested in
Personal Impact and Effectiveness
