Fishing for the Right Attitude: Don’t Miss the Boat!: Fishing for the Right Attitude: Don’t Miss the Boat! Amy W. Boykin, CNU Alicia Willson-Metzger, CNU


Start with a story …: Start with a story … Why do we notice bad attitudes at work? What does a bad attitude look like? What is your attitude at work?


Self Assessment: Self Assessment Test yourself Queendom – www.queendom.com/tests/ Tickle – web.tickle.com Mindgames – www.psychtests.com/mindgames/ Human Metrics – www.humanmetrics.com Chatterbean – www.chatterbean.com/quiz_guide/phd_personality_tests.php No matter the generation you find yourself in …


Generations at Work: Generations at Work Veterans: Born 1922-1943 (52 million) Baby Boomers: Born 1943-1960 (73.2 million) Gen Xers: Born 1960-1980 (70.1 million) Millennials: Born 1980- (69.7 million to date) “Generations at Work: A Candid Snapshot of the Generations…and Their Differences,” 2007, http://www.amanet.org


Generational Core Values: Generational Core Values Veterans: Dedication, sacrifice, hard work, honor, respect for authority Boomers: Optimism, team orientation, involvement, personal growth Gen Xers: Global thinking, informality, techno-literacy, pragmatism Millennials: Confidence, civic duty, diversity, sociability “Generations at Work: A Candid Snapshot of the Generations…and Their Differences,” 2007, http://www.amanet.org


Generational Personality: Generational Personality Veterans: Conformers, conservative spenders, past-oriented and history-absorbed, logical Boomers: Driven, soul-searchers, willing to “go the extra mile” Gen Xers: Self-reliant, risk-takers, skeptical, need sense of balance between work and personal life Millennials: Tenacious, collective-action friendly, optimistic about the future “Generations at Work: A Candid Snapshot of the Generations…and Their Differences,” 2007, http://www.amanet.org


Motivational Tips: Motivational Tips Veterans: Personal interaction important, honor work with plaques, certificates, etc. Boomers: Public recognition, perks with status, ask for their input Gen Xers: Assign lots of projects: let them prioritize and juggle; give constant constructive feedback Millennials: Be a mentor, don’t dismiss their opinions because they’re young, provide continuing ed. opportunities “Generations at Work: A Candid Snapshot of the Generations…and Their Differences,” 2007, http://www.amanet.org


Why Do You Need to Know?: Why Do You Need to Know? For your health People are watching you – children and other impressionable ones, including your boss So you can make changes – if necessary And now – here is a test for you …..


Bad Attitude at Work?: Bad Attitude at Work? Talking about the boss Gossiping Clocking in late Calling in sick often Lying Dixie Lee Wright, 2004 (www.mycvbuilder.com)


Bad Attitude at Work?: Bad Attitude at Work? Abusing the telephone Leaving early Refusing to help a coworker Breaking rules Making fun of coworkers Criticizing the work of others Dixie Lee Wright, 2004 (www.mycvbuilder.com)


Bad Attitude at Work?: Bad Attitude at Work? Using bad language Dirty clothes Back talking Customer complaints Comments on your attitude Dixie Lee Wright, 2004 (www.mycvbuilder.com)


An Attitude Fix: An Attitude Fix Stretch; take a break Work on something else for a while Look out a window; get a glass of water Take a short walk; get some fresh air Go out to lunch Say something nice to someone Volunteer to help a coworker Dixie Lee Wright, 2004 (www.mycvbuilder.com)


Ways to Improve the Attitude: Ways to Improve the Attitude Look for creative ways to make your current tasks more interesting Schedule your work to best manage routine or tedious tasks – if possible, group low energy tasks together for a time when your work energy is low Ian’s Messy Desk (www.ismckenzie.com)


Who Moved My Cheese?: Who Moved My Cheese? Three things to remember: Change is unavoidable Ability to adapt = key to success Attitude is important Spencer Johnson’s book by the same title


Get Happier!: Get Happier! Train yourself Focus on what’s right, successful, and more productive Increase positive thinking, positive emotions, positive choices and decisions, positive habits – one thing at a time Increase authenticity and strength Penelope Trunk (Brazen Careerist blog)


More Than a Positive Attitude: More Than a Positive Attitude Questions to ask yourself Does the present attitude serve me well? What is the source of this attitude? Where do I need to make a change? Do I have the right resources to make the change? Ke o agile (www.SelfGrowth.com)


Now what?: Now what? “People who take themselves less seriously are far more pleasant to associate with.” Start small Keep your eyes open – good things will happen, funny things will happen, be prepared to notice these! Denise Morgan in Virginia Libraries


What About Fishing & Boating?: What About Fishing & Boating? Oh, yes – the inspiration for it all Play – Make their day “Who are you being while you’re doing what you’re doing?” Be present in the moment – count the blessings of right now. Dr. Stephen C. Lundin, excerpted from “Fish! Tales”


Follow-Up: Follow-Up CATS: Nine Lives of Innovation Definition of a CAT Every day human being who learns how to release his or her innovative potential … A curious person An invaluable … asset Someone who likes FISH! but doesn’t necessarily eat fish (or go fishing!) The future of civilization Are you a CAT?


Your Stories?: Your Stories? Maybe you’ve got a strategy or a technique to share? Do you try to change your attitude when you feel a bad ‘tude coming on? How? Thank you!