A positive attitude is key to career success

Maintaining a positive attitude in the workplace could benefit your career and bring you one step closer to that promotion that you have been working towards. When employers are on the hunt for prospective employees to join their teams, a positive attitude is definitely on the list of prerequisites.

In today’s world, it has become increasingly difficult to maintain a positive attitude in the workplace on a daily basis. With to-do lists getting longer, deadlines looming, and obstacles having to be faced, this comes as no surprise. However, if you struggle to maintain a positive attitude, there are certain tips and tricks that you can incorporate into your daily life that will help you develop and maintain the positive attitude you need for professional success. These tips include:

1.Do not criticise

It is always important to remember that there is a difference between criticism and constructive feedback. When addressing a co-worker’s/employee’s performance, start the conversation off with pointing out something that he/she has done well and then follow it up with a suggestion of how they can improve their performance.

2.Do not engage in office gossip

Gossip can have a very negative effect on teamwork. It does not matter whether team members are gossiping about other colleagues or situations at home, it is best to avoid office gossip altogether. If, however, you find yourself engaged in gossip, act as a listener but do not add any input. Maintaining a positive attitude in the workplace means that you’re always a team player, which means that you respect your team members, and when you refrain from gossiping and adding any input, you will maintain your level of respect.

3.Remember that teamwork comes first

Make sure to let your team members know when they have performed well. Compliments and acknowledgement will foster a positive environment for your team members to thrive in. The same can be said for obstacles encountered by your team members. When the team is faced with an obstacle, offer solutions rather than problems, and do not focus on the negatives. When you approach obstacles with a positive outlook, your team will start to adopt this outlook.

4.Do not complain

Undoubtedly, every day is not going to be a good day, this is a part of life. However, do not let your team members know that it is a bad day. If you are in a bad mood, make sure to walk it off before entering the office. Give yourself time to process, that way, when you enter the office, you can make fun of your bad start to the day, rather than complaining and ruining your team members’ days. Laughing is the best remedy to ensure that you keep the work environment positive, while ranting will add negativity to the workplace, and set the tone for the rest of the workday.

Now that we know how to be more positive in the workplace, let’s look at why it is important to be positive:

1.Take care of your health

Maintaining a positive attitude in the workplace can effectively keep your stress levels at bay. We all know that stress can have a negative impact on your overall health, as stress can wear you down over time and affect your immune system. Maintaining a positive attitude will combat this stress and enable you to excel within your position.

2.Have a positive impact on your team members

Positivity can be infectious, and if you maintain a positive attitude, it will surely rub off on your team members. No one wants to be around someone who is constantly negative, and you will set the example. Soon, your team will thrive and overcome every obstacle effectively and efficiently.

3.Take one step closer to that promotion

Management will always keep an eye out for team members who are positive and can overcome any obstacle without being dragged down by negativity. If you maintain a positive attitude on a daily basis, you will be favoured for a promotion when the time comes.

As seen above, maintaining a positive attitude in the workplace can be accomplished if you work at it every day, and employ these tips in your everyday life. Once you have mastered being positive, you will experience less stress, and take that step towards the career success you’ve been waiting for.

This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as legal or other professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your adviser for specific and detailed advice. Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE)