ImageThis was one of those days where things just clicked togther for me, and I had to share it with you. I was just reading a book called Alpha Project Managers, by Andy Crowe. The first thing the author mentions that distinguishes the best project managers is that they really love their job. They look forward to coming to work and they are less anxious about work when not on the job.

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Attitudes & Beliefs

I have long since believed that your attitudes and beliefs are key leverage points in deciding how your life turns out. There is a saying I recall that goes:

If you want to change your altitude,
change your attitude.

This book just reaffirms the importance of attitude. Your beliefs and your attitudes shape your expectations and your behavior which in turn controls your outcome. The top 2% of project managers surveyed had a significantly more positive attitude towards their work.

Happy People Perform Better

The author goes on to ask is it because they are happy with their jobs that they do well or is it the other way around? Certainly the two go together. Ken Blanchard in his book The One Minute Manager said that happy people perform better. As a manager, it is important to work towards the goal of making people on your team happy, including yourself.

Choose Your Attitude

Another key point to note, is you can choose your attitude. This is one of the key points of the book Fish! which I always enjoy reading. You can go to work feeling crappy or feeling happy, but the choice is always yours.

No matter what the workplace is like, the choice is still yours to make. If you were to give it away, and let a bad workplace or a difficult co-worker or family member get you down, then you make yourself a victim of circumstances. You have the power to choose to be happy in spite of whatever life may throw at you. I recall the following pseudo-Latin phrase that seems relevant:

Illegitimi Non Carborundum
(Don't let the bastards grind you down)

It might be a good one for you to remember. It works for me. Some days, it can be too easy to let a difficult environment drain your enthusiasm, which will ultimately mess with your performance. You have to check your attitude each day and make sure it is in the right place, no matter what is going on around you.

Toxic Work Environments

What if you work in a really bad environment? Do you just put up with it, with a smile on your face? No way! You either change things or look for a new job. Don't be a martyr for no good reason. Believe in yourself. You have the power to make changes if that is what you choose to do. If not, you deserve better and there is something better out there for you. You have to go get it. Either way, no reason to let it get you down.

Be An Example

Now take things a step further, if you come to work, in control of your attitude, and ultimately performing well, others will look to you as an example. You can teach them by your example, and overall your whole workplace will improve. You can make a difference in others, just by taking control of your own attitude. Think about that.

Duncan