Whatever the
task, attitude is everything
Commentary by Maj. Joe Engelbrecht
Defense Force Commander
11/15/2005 - ALI BASE,
If you sit back and think about it, there is always at least three
ways to look at almost any difficulty: as a problem, a challenge or an
opportunity.
The first reaction of many people is to immediately label any
difficulty as a problem, often times creating an overwhelming situation. The
same situation could be viewed as a challenge to be overcome, or even better
yet, an opportunity to learn, grow and improve a process for the future.
I often ask my leaders to, at a minimum, approach any task as a
challenge that can be overcome.
Less experienced Airmen may have a natural tendency to view many
tasks, events or situations as problems. These Airmen look to their leaders not
only for know-how but also for the proper attitude. If the person leading
approaches difficulties with a view toward challenges to be met and overcome,
or as an opportunity to learn and improve, stress and anxiety will be
eliminated and everybody involved will grow. When individuals grow the unit and
mission also improve.
The best leaders will always strive to look at every situation as
an opportunity. It may be an opportunity to improve the capabilities of the
individual, team or unit. Some call it “life experience,” some call it tools
for your toolbox, but in all cases, your attitude will affect your approach and
impact the end result.
For example, let’s say your supervisor has asked you teach someone
from outside your unit about your duties and responsibilities. You could a)
Choose to look at the task as a problem, an additional burden to your already
busy schedule; b) As a challenge, a task that will have to be balanced with
your other duties, but something that you are prepared to accomplish (you were
likely chosen because you are a good representative and spokesperson for your
unit and mission); or c) My challenge to you, which is that you’d approach this
and everything outside of your routine as an opportunity.
The same task, which some see as a problem, could very well be an
opportunity to forge mutually beneficial relationships, to learn about other
aspects of the mission, and to have others better understand and appreciate
what you do. That problem or challenge is an opportunity to better yourself and strengthen the team.
Every Airman is important, but this organization is all about the
team. Your teammates are counting on you, just as you count on them. Members of
a team feed off each other. Your attitude, either positive or negative will
affect the team.
You will always be faced with difficult situations,
especially here in the combat zone. Some events will be beyond your control,
but you are the only thing controlling your attitude.
Attitude is everything. Attitude is infectious.
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