Attitude is everything

Last week on our way to work. I pointed out to my wife how Themba one of the guards at our complex always seem to be in a good mood. Whenever he is on duty, you can feel his presence. On this particular time, one of the parents had brought a car from the garage and parked next to the gate so that school kids could get in and Themba instinctively opened the car door for the children. Of course it is not his job (“That is not my job!”- we often hear that expression in the workplace), however he was just being a pleasant human being. Having a positive attitude to life does not have anything to do with your social status or your position in the organisation, all of us must strive for it as our attitudes affects all those around us.


If you a student and has a negative attitude towards your teachers and the subject being studied, there is no way you can pass that subject.  When I was involved in the recruitment of new employees from end of 2002 to end of 2003 at Zimbabwe Insurance Brokers and at Zimnat Lion Insurance company from 2004 to 2007, one of the things I always looked for during an interview was the applicant’s attitude. Also when it came to promotions or recommending which contract employees should be made permanent attitude was a big thing for me. I remember instances where some school leavers would come for interviews with an indifferent attitude and it pained me that some serious candidates would not had the opportunity to be interviewed and here I had someone wasting the opportunity.

I could tell who would succeed in the insurance career just by their attitude. Even now as an old horse in the department, I get to assist new employees and I can accurately predict within a few days who will make it. Those who don't make it have an "I don't care " attitude, they spend more time looking at their smartphones and their small mirrors instead of showing the earger to learn by asking questions and trying out on their own.


I liken attitude to an old Blackberry phone I once owned 5 years ago. That phone needed to be recharged every few hours. During the day, we get times where we are really pushed to the limits either by customers, co-workers or even bosses. You need to quickly recharge you attitude to the right level so that you can be a pleasant human being to be around. Having a bad attitude is costly from lost business opportunites (you will not give business to someone with a stinking attitude).


Some of the most notable quotes in history that shows the power of attitude are:-


- " As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison" - former president Nelson Mandela

- 'Resentment Is Like Taking Poison And Waiting For The Other Person To Die'-Unknown

- “Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right"- Henry Ford


Have a blessed day