Attitude

Attitude

at·ti·tude ( t -t d , -ty d )

NOUN: 

1.       A position of the body or manner of carrying oneself: stood in a graceful attitude.

2.       A state of mind or a feeling; disposition: had a positive attitude about work.

3.       An arrogant or hostile state of mind or disposition.

I recently had dinner with a peer in the industry and we started to share war stories about employees and their “attitude” at work:  A lot of great people that show promise initially, early in their employment, eventually, as they receive more responsibility, start to exude “attitude” – whether it be a snappy response, a sense of entitlement, or arrogance about their worth.

I recently found an article online from 2001* that mentioned a national survey, where companies were asked: What counts more ... employee aptitude ­ hard skills and technical competencies ­ or employee attitude ­ soft skills including self-motivation, commitment and communication?   Nearly 60 percent of organizations responding ranked attitude as the No. 1 concern.  Based on my dinner conversation, I don’t think this concern has changed in six years.

The entertainment industry is a fast paced, dynamic environment. Most people that want in, understand the simple joy of creating, being part of a fun product that potentially effects change, culture, and attitudes.  The common thread that I have observed across those that do well in the industry, moved up successfully, is a lack of attitude – the negative kind.  Perhaps older (not literally – just figuratively) generations of the industry have succeeded in bullying their way to the top – not anymore.  Executives want team players, positive attitudes.  Do you have one?

*  “In the workplace, attitude really is everything”

   

Birmingham

Business Journal - December 21, 2001

   by Richard Brown