Your attitude & personal accountability can combine for success — or failure. Which do you choose?
So, what is the connection between attitude and accountability … have you ever considered the relationship between these two topics?
People with what we might call a “bad” attitude do not take any accountability for their situation or their problems. And without taking accountability, it’s almost impossible to change your attitude. The two are inextricably intertwined.
Let me give you an example. Let’s say you are unhappy at your job for any of the following reasons (whether real or perceived):
• You don’t make enough money.
• You are unappreciated.
• The people you work with are inept and irritating.
• The management is uncaring and uncommunicative.
• The work is unsatisfying and meaningless.
• Your job is a dead end.
What do all these complaints have as a common theme? They are all things caused by external situations or other people. If this is your perception of your job, then it’s likely your attitude is both negative and passive.
Some of these statements may well be true. Your job might be a dead end. It might be too low paying to support your lifestyle/family needs.
It’s always your perception of these facts, however, combined with what you will or won’t do about them, that makes the difference to your attitude.
Do you complain and blame, or do you take accountability and appropriate action?
What might happen if you decided to change your outlook on things? How would you even go about it?
Well, to change your attitude, you could …
- Decide to stop complaining, gossiping, or finger-pointing. Greet co-workers with a smile.
- Ask for a raise, or look for better paying work.
- Focus on the aspects of work you do get satisfaction from — what you are good at, and what you bring to the job itself — as opposed to what it does or doesn’t give you.
- Ask for feedback from your manager, get more involved during meetings, or ask to take on more responsibility.
- Inquire about any available training programs at your company, reimbursement toward any continuing education, and/or simply pay for continuing training out of your own pocket. It’s a worthwhile investment that will reap dividends.
- Take responsibility for your own attitude, and decide to look for the best in any situation.
What do all of these items share as a common theme? They are all active steps. Whether they result in the desired outcome or not, you are taking responsibility for your career — and your attitude toward your job.
Here’s some simple formulas:
Pro-active action plus personal accountability for your own life = a great attitude.
A great attitude = much more job and life satisfaction, and vice versa.
Got it?
Which attitude-changing idea resonates with you the most? Taking action? Becoming more accountable for your own happiness and success? Changing your attitude?
All these things are so interconnected, you can enter the circle at any point, it doesn’t matter. One will lead to the next.
Our January monthly newsletter is all about attitude, how it affects your career, your happiness with your career and life, and how you can make attitude adjustment your goal for this new year.
If you missed it, take a look at my most recent YouTube video on the subject of attitude.
(BTW, when you subscribe to the BRODY Professional Development monthly newsletter, you’ll receive a complimentary digital copy of Accountability: Four Keys to Manage Success (Yours & Others).