On-The-Job Optimism Often Its Own Reward

How positive is your attitude at work? The answer could be significant. As businesses today become more team-driven, companies are increasingly looking to their employees to motivate, encourage and inspire one another. In fact, in a recent survey of executives commissioned by our firm, more than a third of respondents cited a positive attitude as the single most valued interpersonal skills among job candidates. Why? Because enthusiastic employees are a key ingredient in an organization's success. A spirit of optimism is contagious, and those individuals who take a positive approach to their jobs can have an equally positive impact on employee morale. Here are a few suggestions for improving your optimism quotient:

• Be part of the solution. Instead of presenting problems, propose solutions. Offering at least one remedy to a trouble spot you've identified can make the difference between being perceived as a leader and being viewed as a complainer. Being a problem solver is a trait buys managers value highly in their staff because it demonstrates initiative and business savvy.
  
  
• Use humor to your advantage. Maintaining a sense of humor can diffuse tension and ease stress. But don't confuse humor with sarcasm. Humor should be positive and lighthearted and never at the expense of others.
  
  
• Make time for others. Managers aren't the only ones who should have an "open-door" policy. Make sure you're approachable. Serving as an informal mentor for co-workers and offering to pitch in on big projects when necessary can go a long way toward fostering a team-driven office environment.
  
  
• Be aware of your body language. Do you smile and establish eye contact with people at work? Do you listen attentively and nod in encouragement while in meetings, or do you cross your arms frequently or appear distracted? Your physical actions speak just as loudly as your words, so make sure they're sending a positive message.
  
  
• Avoid negative influences. If a colleague routinely disparages your company, your supervisor or your work environment, it's probably a good idea to distance yourself from that person. Although it's natural to want to sympathize with someone who is unhappy, individuals who are chronically discontent typically won't respond to your words of encouragement and will eventually drag your morale down, too.
  
  
• Allow yourself privacy. If a major setback or crisis occurs while you're at work, take a few minutes to be alone. Stepping away from the office can help you work through strong emotions and prevent impulsive actions that you might later regret. Once your feelings have settled, you'll be better equipped to respond to the situation.
  
  
• Accentuate the positive. When successes occur, share them with others and praise those who made them happen. If a new company policy helped you better balance your workload, for instance, let your supervisor know about it. When a colleague gives an outstanding presentation, say so. Recognizing achievements will make both you and those around you feel good.

They say what goes around comes around, and that's especially true when it comes to a positive attitude. When you demonstrate enthusiasm about your work and that of your colleagues, you'll likely find that the encouragement is returned. Supervisors are also apt to take note of your "can-do" attitude and ability to motivate others, which can lead to increased responsibility in your job. Ultimately, a positive outlook at work enhances both your job satisfaction and long-term career advancement potential.

-- Article courtesy of Robert Half International, which has more than 250 locations in North America, Europe and Australia, and offers online job search services at http://www.rhii.com.