Today, in our standard Monday morning sales meeting, the topic of 'attitude' came up. I would wager that over half of ALL sales-team meetings include the idea of attitude. It has become a mantra.
But what do they mean by 'having a good attitude' ??? If the reiteration of the term 'attitude' underlies a desired goal, and that goal is to 'have a good one', then how would one define 'a good attitude'? Is it a variable? Does one's chosen field create the definition? Does the meaning differ between a florist and a police officer?
"Nice guy? I don't give a shit. Good father? Fuck you! Go home and play with your kids. You wanna work here - CLOSE!"....these words from Glengary Glen Ross (added for the movie, not a part of the original Mamet play) are a glimpse into an alternate definition of the word 'attitude'. Underlying the tirade from Alec Baldwin's character is one hint towards a different definition of 'attitude', and as Glengary Glen Ross is one of the holy sacraments of salesfolk we must understand it's message.
Simply put, the message could be "Do not fail." This creates a slight conundrum, but one that can be worked out.
Step 1.....accept that everyone will fail. Period. So how does one embrace the above message AND live in the real world? Accept that failure is a necessary and inevitable step towards success. Think of it as a ratio. As I mentioned in a previous post, my father considered "keeping the shit to shoe level" as an acceptable answer. Have a hate-filled tolerance for failure. Don't accept mediocrity, but don't beat yourself up too harshly (both being horrible wastes of your time).
Step 2......accept that some mass views of 'good attitude' may be in absolute opposition of what is required for you. I've often said that any description of a person that starts out as "He/She is so nice/sweet" can often be a massive detriment. Often one has to dismiss certain societal niceties to accomplish a goal. Think of a discussion between two people, one who has the cure for a certain poison, one who is dying from said poison. The antidote holder gets sidetracked with some anecdote during the explanation of the poison's cure. Would anyone judge the poisoned individual for urging the antidote holder with a slap to the head and a demand to get back to the task at hand?????
Step 3.....temper any necessary and unnecessary "slaps to the head" with genuine acts of kindness and altruism. I stress the genuine part. Find something that makes a positive impact on the world around, you that you can believe in, and get behind it.
At it's most extreme make your true-self a gilded club...a tool designed to bludgeon, but pretty around the edges.
But what do they mean by 'having a good attitude' ??? If the reiteration of the term 'attitude' underlies a desired goal, and that goal is to 'have a good one', then how would one define 'a good attitude'? Is it a variable? Does one's chosen field create the definition? Does the meaning differ between a florist and a police officer?
"Nice guy? I don't give a shit. Good father? Fuck you! Go home and play with your kids. You wanna work here - CLOSE!"....these words from Glengary Glen Ross (added for the movie, not a part of the original Mamet play) are a glimpse into an alternate definition of the word 'attitude'. Underlying the tirade from Alec Baldwin's character is one hint towards a different definition of 'attitude', and as Glengary Glen Ross is one of the holy sacraments of salesfolk we must understand it's message.
Simply put, the message could be "Do not fail." This creates a slight conundrum, but one that can be worked out.
Step 1.....accept that everyone will fail. Period. So how does one embrace the above message AND live in the real world? Accept that failure is a necessary and inevitable step towards success. Think of it as a ratio. As I mentioned in a previous post, my father considered "keeping the shit to shoe level" as an acceptable answer. Have a hate-filled tolerance for failure. Don't accept mediocrity, but don't beat yourself up too harshly (both being horrible wastes of your time).
Step 2......accept that some mass views of 'good attitude' may be in absolute opposition of what is required for you. I've often said that any description of a person that starts out as "He/She is so nice/sweet" can often be a massive detriment. Often one has to dismiss certain societal niceties to accomplish a goal. Think of a discussion between two people, one who has the cure for a certain poison, one who is dying from said poison. The antidote holder gets sidetracked with some anecdote during the explanation of the poison's cure. Would anyone judge the poisoned individual for urging the antidote holder with a slap to the head and a demand to get back to the task at hand?????
Step 3.....temper any necessary and unnecessary "slaps to the head" with genuine acts of kindness and altruism. I stress the genuine part. Find something that makes a positive impact on the world around, you that you can believe in, and get behind it.
At it's most extreme make your true-self a gilded club...a tool designed to bludgeon, but pretty around the edges.
Comments
I guess what I am saying “I see the translation from sales to technology" and the importance of bringing out the "Club" (right after you call 911 for help) to make sure everyone is working towards a common goal.
Well said, job well done. Not bad for a Sales Puke! (For those who might read this, that was/is Johnny’s title in my address book for work)
Keep writing, it really suites you and hopefully one day, I can change your title.