Your Attitude is Contagious...Do Others Want to Catch It?

In my work as a trainer and coach, I am regularly hired to teach public speaking skills to adults. It is truly a blessing to watch as people who were either scared to death to speak or perhaps just confused about how to put a presentation together, blossom in the span of a few short training and practice sessions. But I often walk away with more than I give. Last week was a case in point.

I was finishing up the third of three classes, where the students present their final speeches on a topic they feel passionate about. All of the speeches in this class were particularly good, but one stood out because it was a reminder of the power of gratitude and positivity, and the power of their opposites as well.

The speaker in this case shared the story of how he walks through the employee dining room at the resort where he works, smiling and asking others who are just finishing their lunch, "How was your lunch?" What often comes back is a sad litany of grumbling, complaining and as he described them, "Eyeore-like comments" on everything from the quality of the food to the state of the economy. Rarely does he hear anyone respond with: "It was great, thanks for asking!" The responses have come back so consistently negative that this gentleman now asks a different question: "What did you like about your lunch?," in the hopes of shifting the focus from the negative to the positive.

His message was a powerful reminder that we all choose our attitudes, and that those who choose gratitude and positivity, even in the face of difficult circumstances will tend to rebound more quickly or attract better circumstances because of their more grateful and benevolent energy. And they create a more gracious, benevolent world in the process.

He concluded like this: there are many who would gladly trade places with his grumbling co-workers. They would gladly trade unemployment (or underemployment) for good-paying jobs in beautiful working conditions. Many would be thrilled to have what amounts to a royal smorgasbord of food to choose from, prepared by master chefs, (remember I live in Las Vegas where some of the world's best chefs happen to work in resorts and restaurants), at NO CHARGE. And many would be thankful that their employer actually pays them during their lunch hour. The list could go on. But it quickly became apparent to me that this man and others like him are the kind of employees companies want to keep and clone! And he was a powerful reminder that I need to be conscious of the kind of attitudes I send out. Are they filled with judgement, criticism, and negative observation? Or am I choosing to keep my focus on the positive and share that light with the world?

This speech sparked a discussion among others in the class about how important it is to be mindful of our attitudes, because they are contagious. One participant, ironically an executive chef originally from a European country, commented that most people in this country, and especially in Las Vegas, have absolutely no idea how good and abundant their lives are compared to others, and not just those in third world countries. The group agreed that as "attitude leaders" it is particularly important to maintain their positive outlook as role models for others. I left the class feeling certain that regardless of the state of the economy, this group of positive, "glass half-full" employees would weather the current economic storm. And that by their example they would inspire others to adopt more positive, grateful attitudes as well.

So as we enter the 11th month of the year, the month in which we celebrate Thanksgiving, take a few moments to do your own attitude check; to remind yourself of all you have to be grateful for. Don't wait until Nov. 27th to give thanks. Start now. In every moment you have the opportunity to choose gratitude over grumbling, positivity over negativity. And never forget that your attitude is contagious....do others want to catch it? Would you be happy if you saw your attitude being reflected back to you in the next person you meet?

I'm convinced, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the best is yet to come in my life and business . I hope you are as well. Now go out and remind the world that the glass really is half-full. Drink up and enjoy!

Quote of the Week:

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us."

~~Dr. Albert Schweitzer

"Transforming Your Potential into Performance!"
Betty Mahalik, PCC Life & Business Coach, Trainer bettym@dynamic-coaching.com www.dynamic-coaching.com	Dynamic Solutions 5240 Mustang St. Las Vegas, NV 89130 tel: 702 658-4425 fax: 702 658-5802 mobile: 702 443-0175
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