Attitude by John C. Maxwell is part of the ‘What Every Leader Needs to Know’ series and is another best-selling effort from this writer, whose books like The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, Developing the Leader Within You, and The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader have sold over a million copies each.
In most cases, while one may have very many redeeming qualities, and probably all the ingredients aligned for success, our bad attitude does us in. It comes in the way of all the good that we have done to ensure a fine turnout to our efforts. It blocks our progress and its consequent rewards. Citing that good attitudes of a team do not guarantee its success, but they definitely ensure its ruin, Maxwell has very briefly outlined what he surmises attitude, that crucial
element that can make or break us, is all about:
It is the ‘advance man’ of our true selves.
It is more honest and more consistent than our words.
It is a thing which draws people to us or repels them.
It is never content until it is expressed.
It is the librarian of our past.
It is the speaker of our present.
It is the prophet of our future.
The real leaders in business, in the professional community, in education, in government, and in the home also seem to draw upon a special cutting edge that separates them from the rest of society. The winner’s edge is not in a gifted birth, in a high IQ, or in a talent. The winner’s edge is in the attitude, not aptitude.
Listed below are some of the common attitude problems that undermine the efforts of even the best of us, and keep us mired in mediocrity.
An inability to admit wrongdoing. The tendency to think that one is perfect always leads to conflict.
Failing to forgive: Holding a grudge and nursing it, is never positive or appropriate. Petty jealousy: When people believe that every person deserves equal treatment, regardless of talent, performance, or impact, such desires fuel petty jealousies. One must remember that each person is unique and performs differently and his or her abilities should be acknowledged as such.
The disease of me. When people who develop an overpowering belief in their own importance and join a team nursing an undue obsession of 'me' the overall result is the defeat of 'us.'
A critical spirit. The tendency to find fault with another's ability or existence, can ruin the chances of the entire team, because of the belief that every one on the team can do no right. A desire to hog all the credit. A desire almost as bad as the obsession with the self, is the tendency to step forward into the spotlight and grab all the accolades, whether it has been rightfully earned or not.
For some, attitude presents a difficulty in every opportunity; for others it presents an opportunity in every difficulty. And some climb with a positive attitude, while others fall with a negative perspective. Here is how attitude impacts a person's life:
Our attitude determines our approach to life. Like an airplane, if our nose is pointed up, we are poised for a proper take-off; if it pointed downward, we are bound to crash.
Our attitude determines our relationships with people. Establishing relationships is difficult. There are times when you can't get along with some people, but you cannot make it without them - that is why it is essential to build proper relationships.
Often or attitude is the only difference between and failure. Our attitude at the beginning of a task will affect its outcome more than anything else. Our attitude can turn our problems into blessings and can give us an uncommonly positive perspective.
Attitude by John C. Maxwell
Jaico Publishing House
Price Rs.150