SOHO Start-Up -- The Magic of a Positive Attitude

The Magic Of A Positive Attitude
by Eileen O. Brownell, President, Training Solutions

“Now I understand the secret of correcting the attitude of others and that is to correct my own.”

--Og Mandino

What is the number one quality that can help a service professional succeed? Is it friendliness? How about the ability to work effectively with others? What about being a team player? Then there is always having good communications skills. The most important quality an individual must have to succeed in business or in life by far, is a positive attitude.

How and why does one person quickly bounce back after a risk has failed while another spends years regretting their decision and repeatedly verbalizing "if only I had..."? What element always seems to help one person achieve their goals? While another individual cannot get past their last attempt ten years ago to create a dream. Why does one sales clerk willingly help an irate customer while another takes the verbal accusations personally?

People who bounce back from failure and can see beyond the customer's frustration to complete their goals have a magical ability. It is called a positive attitude! The individual with a positive attitude always seems to magically pull the rabbit out of the tall top hat just when you think they can't. Part of the reason they can is because they believe they can. Their attitude is one of can do! Our thought process and how we choose to think is reflected in our attitude.

Throughout life, we record each and every experience in our sub-conscious mind. For the most part, we are unaware we have stored these experiences away in the filing cabinet of our mind. At some future point, a new event will trigger the memory of an old experience. For example, a beautiful sunset may remind you of a vacation trip to Hawaii. It is important to note, that our brain is capable of both recording and playing back memories. Second, when we do recall a memory, it is the emotions and feelings we re-experience, not the facts and figures from the memory. Finally, the reason we re-experience those feelings and emotions may be based on either positive or negative memories.

When we interact with customers, sometime a shirt they are wearing, a perfume they have on or the way they walk can trigger a sub-conscious memory from our past. The way we have become accustomed to remembering given events can have a major affect on our reaction to others regardless of the reality of the situation. For example, the shirt a customer is wearing reminds you of Uncle Harry. You have only fond memories of him and emotionally you will probably respond favorably to the customer. Your manager walks exactly like your seventh grade PE teacher. You always felt she was particularly mean to you. Without even realizing it, your response to your manager may always be negative. You will probably not even know why you are responding the way you are. The feelings just surface and your reaction is automatic.

Positive attitude can be defined as a helpful state of mind or a feeling regarding a situation or fact. It is how we perceive events, experiences and things in our lives. An individual with a positive attitude sees and finds opportunities while others do not. They choose to view the irate customer as an opportunity for service not as a problem. There are countless examples in sports, of teams that were perceived as the underdogs and then they forged ahead to beat the favored team. I sat in the stands at the first game of the 1988 World Series. The Oakland A's were favored to win the series. In the bottom of the ninth inning, with two outs and a full count, Kirk Gibson hit a home run to win the game. The stands went wild. We stood on our seats and cheered for a solid 10 minutes. The A's were deflated and at that very moment lost the series. Why? Because their attitudes sank in disbelief that the underdogs could beat them. They never recovered.

Customer service is not easy. Everyone has at sometime been challenged by a difficult customer. The skilled professional is constantly faced with situations that require the utmost skill, tact, diplomacy and positive attitude in order to succeed in even the most adverse conditions. We can choose our response to any situation. We also have a choice regarding our attitude. A positive attitude is deeply rooted in our character. Character aspects can be learned. It takes practice and a willingness to change. The following suggestions are ways that you can strengthen your attitude and create a winning situation for the client and the organization.

Select a customer-focused attitude
Realize that a positive attitude is a matter of choice. We decide the positive aspects of any situation and choose our reaction. Focus on the customers needs and wants, not their angry tone.

Strive for constant improvement
Always strive to improve your attitude. When negative thoughts arise, ask why. If it is appropriate, resolve the issue immediately rather than burying the ill feelings. Replace the negative thoughts with positive ones. Whenever a negative thought arises, always acknowledge it and refocus on the positive.

Avoid gossip
Gossip usually carries a negative connotation. People choose to spread rumors because it makes them look good, feel better or casts an unfavorable light on the individual. It may make the gossiper feel better, but can also do irreparable damage. Refuse to spread or listen to gossip. You will avoid negative thoughts and messages.

Set an example and walk your talk
When we focus on being a positive provider of service, responsive to the customer regardless of their attitude, we present a positive image for others to see and emulate. The impression we present of our business is favorable and memorable. People want to be around positive individuals and are more willing to follow the example you will set.

Be accountable
When a problem arises, resolve it. Avoid placing blame on another department or employee for a mistake. When you blame someone else for the problem in front of a customer, it only generates more ill feelings toward you and your organization. The key is the customer wants the issue resolved, so be accountable for your organization and provide alternatives in order to fix the situation.

Listen to your inner voice
If you find your self-talk is negative, resolve the situation. Create and adopt a positive view of the world. That includes thinking positive about yourself, your work and your abilities. If you need to, post inspirational and positive thoughts in easy to see places. This will help you refocus when thoughts do go astray.

Avoid complacency
Recognize areas you need to improve. Establish personal and professional goals and objectives for improvement. Tackle the most difficult areas first. Look for the positive during your personal growth and change processes. Maintain a high personal standard and anticipate that you will achieve your goals.

Listen to your speech
Hear what you say to others. Listen to your tone of voice. Mentally observe your body language. Are your statements upbeat and positive, or negative and condescending? Is your message delivered with enthusiasm and a smile or laced with anger and frustration? People will mirror your message and your body language. If your speech is positive you can expect a favorable response.

Resolve conflicts immediately
When we delay the resolution of conflicts it allows more time for people to let the situation fester and create negative scenarios. Address a conflict when it arises and ill feelings will be doused before they have the opportunity to begin.

Use positive language
State what you can do, not what you can't. Rather then saying "no, we don't accept checks," indicate "we'll gladly accept your cash or credit card." Use positive terms. Instead of calling a situation a problem, name it a challenge. People to tend focus and remember the negative words more then the positive.

Avoid negativity
Avoid people who are negative in thought and action. Surround yourself with positive people. Negativity breeds more negativity. When you are around others who have a positive attitude it will be easier for you to remain upbeat and focused.

Be pro-active
Look for positive solutions to challenging situations. Don't wait to take action. Customers are anxious to resolve issues. When the resolution stage is delayed, it generates more frustration and anger. Your genuine concern and upbeat willingness to take immediate action will be remembered longer then the negative feelings.

People want to work with, buy from and be around positive people. You have the power to create a positive thought process and focus on what is right with your environment rather then what is wrong. Is your glass half empty, or half full? The choice, much like your attitude, is yours.

Eileen O. Brownell is President of Training Solutions, a Chico, CA based firm. For over 25 years, Eileen continues to be noted as the ‘high-energy’ speaker and trainer who captivates her audiences and makes learning a lasting experience. Her expertise is in the areas of customer service, conflict resolution, communication, and team development. Eileen wants to work with companies that want repeat and referral business, and with people who want to exceed customers’ expectations. She can be found in Who’s Who in California, American Women, Professional Speaking and Outstanding Young American Women. Call Eileen at 888-324-6100 (e-mail Trainstars@aol.com) for more information on her speaking/training services and learning tools.

Return To The Top