By Dr. John A. Passante

There are many things we encounter in our daily lives that we cannot control or change, like the economy, the stock market and the weather. However, perhaps the most important decision we make when we get out of bed in the morning is … What will our attitude be today?

Watch your thoughts, they build your habits. Watch your habits, they shape your character. Watch your character, it develops your attitude. Watch your attitude, it commands your behavior. Watch your behavior, it shapes your thoughts.

One of the most overlooked leadership attributes is that of a positive attitude! Leaders with an upbeat attitude inspire, motivate and engender confidence in others. Clearly, we all face daily challenges, disappointments and setbacks. Our reactions to these events send a very strong message to others. Maintaining a positive attitude during troubling times clearly shows a strong character and a conviction that the issues will be addressed and resolved. Leadership involves the power of positive thinking and the fuel of personal motivation to move an organization forward.

The mood, emotions and overall disposition of the leader impact creativity, job performance, decision-making, turnover, teamwork, negotiations and the culture of the company. The “state of the boss’ emotions” affects how employees behave.

Recent research appearing in the Administrative Science Quarterly convincingly demonstrates that executive teams sharing the same level of “positive effect” (attitude) work better together.

The research further points out that teams who share a common attitude toward life are more successful. A positive attitude builds intimacy. Think about it, who wants to get close to a negative person? Why do people have bad attitudes? They fall prey to bad habits. Yes, attitudes are formed and a bad attitude is nothing more than an ingrained habit. The good news is habits can be broken.

Leaders that are self-actualized have a deep feeling of identification (are authentic) and have an appreciation for human beings in general. They feel kinship and connection, as if all people (employees) are members of a single family. We are in this together!

Take five minutes to conduct a personal "attitude audit":

• Are you respected and likeable? Do your stakeholders have faith and trust in you? Do you possess strong personal relationships?

• Do others seek your counsel, input and advice? Do people see you coming and run the other way?

• Are you often angry or frustrated with others who do not see things your way? If the majority of your conversations and interactions are confrontational and negative, then it is likely that you have an attitude problem.

• Do you reject change before you get the facts?

Attitudes and moods are contagious, like the common cold! Catching the leader’s positive emotions (attitude) can make employees feel better about their job assignment, their personal contributions and the company. Negative attitudes sap energy from all of us!

A D.R.I.V.E. ATTITUDE
The late Larry W. McCurdy was a very talented and influential automotive aftermarket leader. He lived his life and encouraged others to have what he called his "D.R.I.V.E. Philosophy":

• D – Stands for DEDICATION. Be dedicated to your family, church, school, job and friends. Be the best you can be.

• R – Is for RESPONSIBILITY. Let your word be your bond. Take true ownership of issues, problems and see them through to completion.

• I – The I is perhaps the most important, it is your INTEGRITY. Be open and honest in all relationships. Do the right thing, even if it hurts.

• V – Stands for VISION. What can we do to influence our industry going forward today? See the bigger picture and help create a better future.

• E – ENTHUSIASM. Each day is a gift. Live with an outlook that there are more good people and things than bad. Value differences of opinions and learn from them.

Consider adapting a D.R.I.V.E. attitude. If each of us assists one person a day in developing a positive attitude toward our industry, and life in general, think of how rewarding that will be for all of us.

When it comes to attitude, each of us are in the driver’s seat. We see what we want to see. Look for the blessing we all enjoy and pass on the optimistic attitude!

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” – Viktor Frankl, Neurologist, Psychiatrist and Holocaust Survivor

As a Greek friend of mine says, “May today be the best day of your life!”

John Passante has more than 30 years of organizational development and senior human resource experience. His expertise is in management development, change management, training, recruiting, administration, executive coaching, succession planning, corporate communications and public relations. He is a motivational speaker who conducts seminars in the U.S. and internationally. Passante previously served as vice president of human resources at CARQUEST; senior vice president at Moog Automotive; and senior director worldwide human resources for Delphi Products and Service Solutions. He is an adjunct professor at Northwood University. Currently, Passante is the president and CEO of the Organizational Development Group Inc. His firm specializes in recruiting, coaching, change management and culture enhancement. Passante attended the University of Toledo, has a masters of business degree from Indiana Northern University and earned doctorate degrees from Pacific Western University and Northwood University. He is a member of the Northwood University Board of Governors. In 1995, Passante was inducted into the Automotive Aftermarket Hall of Fame and in 1980, he received the University of Toledo Peacemaker Award, an award given annually to outstanding Business Alumni. Passante also is president and CEO of Brenton Productions.