Hi Mark, 
Great post and great stuffs you share here.
I think the point is when people share bad attitude it’s because of their need to reject their own weakness.
On the other hand we’ve got those who try to share their happiness around that give a positive attitude.
The basis is the same : each attitude comes from the inner of each one of us.
The most important thing to not get into a bad attitude that have great potentials to be spread around is to share as much as we can since the problem appears.

Hi Yael, thanks for sharing a piece of your mind here miss

This is so true – “Each attitude comes from the inner of each one of us.”

Notice I didn’t say “change your attitudes…” 

It’s been my experience that people are going to be who they are. Change is rare, if at all. The key word here is “eliminate.” 

I eliminate all negative attitudes in my life. They have an effect on you, whether you believe it or not. Choose the people you spend time with wisely. The same goes for hiring people in your business.

Viruses spread, but so do good attitudes

Yes Mark, I fully agree with you.
The more you focus on your needs, and so for your environment, the more you eliminate bad attitude.
Sometimes they even stay far away if you are enough smart to let them know

Awesome advice Mark.  I was on the hiring committee of my law firm, and there were two key attributes that determined whether a hire would succeed at the firm.  The first was attitude.  The second was the ability to get along with others.  If the candidate had those two attributes, they were a successful hire almost 100% of the time.

Definitely!!  Even if we disagree with something, there’s still a way to work through it all with a positive influence…

One bad attitude is bad enough, imagine a whole group of people with bad attitudes! 

The job I recently quit was filled with people with terrible attitudes. And as much as I tried to resist it, it is very infectious. Just like a virus. So your comparison is very on point. 

It’s not good for anyone working in an environment like that. Not for your company (productivity suffers) and not for you (your mentality and mental health seriously gets impaired). 

Funny thing, I just found out about an hour ago that the guy that replaced me at this company already quit as well!

Hi Mark,

I fully agree with you about eliminating the viruses. That’s a very important part of any organization. What I find very interesting, especially since I’m working at a university. Is that there are always viruses, it might be a natural part of any large organization. When a lot of people are working in the same company, it’s hard to completely eliminate all bad attitudes, unless…

The thing is that it’s all about culture. 

If companies care like Zappos, and do everything they can to get every person to have a fantastic time at work, then a virus would “never” get the chance to spread – and a bad attitude wouldn’t be found anywhere. 

I still haven’t read “delivering happiness” but it sounds amazing, and I’m going to order it as soon as I finish reading The Thank You Economy.

Jens

Bad attitude, just sucks. 
The worst part about it is that it spreads faster than wildfire inside a firm and all you need is one virus, as you point out.
Kick them out asap. 
You can teach anyone new skills but you can’t change their attitude.

Actually Zappos has a very interesting recruitment procedure. 2 weeks into the training they offer the new employee a big cheque and tell him/her take it and you don’t have to come back here, or stay and work with us.

Brilliant way to get rid of the bad apples.

Hi Jens, I agree, eliminating viruses in a large business can be a bit tougher, but not impossible as you pointed out with Zappos. What a great company culture that’s been developed there.

But what about the next new hot startup? There are so many people going into business and attempting to build something great — here is where attitude is key. 

And then there are your small business owners i.e. restaurants, hotels, gas stations, retail outlets, etc… A bright smile and great attitude is what keeps people coming back to your business and recommending their friends… or not!

I can’t stress enough how much attitude can make or break your business.

On another subject, I can’t imagine there are any sharks to worry about in 15 degree Celsius water? 

Hi Eugene, it’s really amazing how so many business owners stick with detrimental employees. 

I mean, things are difficult enough without having to deal with a bad attitude — and getting ahead becoming a market leader, even in a small community, just won’t be in the cards.

I’m certain if you visit any business of any size who is a leader in the marketplace, you’ll find attitude is one of the key ingredients to their success.

Thanks for sharing a piece of your mind here today Eugene, I appreciate it sir : )

Yes, attitude is very important. Actually, when it comes to restaurant where I eat my pizza, I’m not going for the best pizza anymore, but the places where I get the most smiles. Because that’s where I feel at home and where I am most comfortable. And in the end, the pizza tastes better at a place like that

I have read about that. Sounds amazing. I would definitively not take the cheque

I have found a nice healthy disagreement is good for a business. I like employees to share their ideas, insights and even recommendations on how to do better… However, there’s a big difference between that and a bad attitude.

Give them the boot – haha!

Cheers Lance!

Hey Fred, thanks for the great add here sir.

I’ve hired hundreds, probably thousands of employees over the last 20 years and attitude is a key when I hire someone.

The reality has been for me that some people don’t show their true colors, or all of them, in the hiring process. Their poison slowly seeps out over time. 

It’s important to spot problem employees and eliminate them when it becomes clear that they are a drain on the atmosphere. 

Cheers to great attitudes! 

I don’t think I’ve eaten a pizza without a big smile on my face — even a mediocre pizza pie makes me pretty happy

Now is that a great attitude or what?

Hint: if you’re a cook and enjoy cooking for people, you will love cooking for me… I love everything : )

All this talk about pizza is making me hungry!

I’ve heard about that @johnfalchetto:disqus - I wonder if any people take the check?

I wonder if you dangled them by a rope over one of the giant caves you scale would change their attitude?

Answer: NO!

It’s funny, but people are really just an expression of what’s inside of them. 

The only way to cure them is if they could crawl back into their mothers womb and come out differently. 

Maybe some folks were just dropped on their head during birth – LOL!

The same goes for me. I’ve never eaten a pizza without a big smile on my face. But the older I get, the more I appreciate people (not just the food) … but it’s impossible to ruin a pizza for me (well, as long as it’s vegetarian)

I have noticed that too Mark.  And, I agree that as soon as you see an attitude problem, address it.  Tell them that that type of behavior is unacceptable.  If they don’t change, which often they don’t, you have to let them go.

My axiom: hire for the “right stuff”…you can teach all the rest, but you can’t “teach” attitude.  I

I’m working with a client right now who is bound and determined to keep an employee who is doing so much more harm than good: both with customers and with her co-workers.

But because the employer has taken a bit of a “parent” role with this young employee, and because they see only what they want to see, the poison is spreading in the company.  Too bad: if she’d just cut bait, problem would be solved.

We need to know when it’s astute to fire employees…and customers too, for that matter.  Cheers!  Kaarina

Bad attitudes = bleh! Negativity drives me crazy and it becomes like a cancer within an organization.  My parents struggle with this because they have a family business and well, there’s a family member that should go, but won’t.  Tough one.  However, the attitude is infectious and could work to destroy the business.  There’s only so much you can do to overcome it and then it permeates everything.

I’m all for hiring the right attitude and someone with a flexible/optimistic outlook that has an intelligent mind.  They may not be exactly right for the position (as far as technical skills) but if they have the right attitude and a desire to learn…bring. them. on.

You”re so right Erica and many of these types of professional employees become your very best employees. 

They appreciate the opportunity and usually excel in their position.Bring.Them.On.

KAARINA : )

What does parenting have to do with business? 

That’s bad business, and irresponsible.

Just sayin…

No matter how well you treat your customers, some of them just need the boot. They’re not worth the time or aggravation. I hear you : ) 

Good Yael, let’s keep them far far away LOL!

You are SOOOO right Mark! Very bad business: completely irresponsible.  But until this employer realizes that she’s helping NO ONE by keeping on an employee that’s more “cost than benefit”, the problem will remain.  The boot indeed!

Viruses, poison, they are all the same thing. Sometimes it is so ingrained he really affects productivity.

It is so much easier to hire for culture than to artificially trying to create it. If you hire the right attitude you have people who are happy to come to work and willing to roll up their sleeves especially in the tough economic times. They get it….

If you ever get a chance, check out SouthWest Airlines business model. They hire for attitude and more times than not you can see their employees having fun.

Good post bro and you know I’m responding while I’m at the beach……..who loves ya baby?

Bad attitudes, limiting self beliefs can hold anyone back. You don’t want to be around those types of people. I wrote a guest post on Frank’s blog this week about getting rid of the weeds in your social circle. All they do is bring you down, have no ambition, complain about everything, and don’t support your big goals. 

So in life and in business, we definitely need to eliminate those with bad attitudes. 

If there is one thing I’ve learned in business Mark, is that as soon as someone within your company gets a bad attitude, they’re done, and they’re likely going to steal from you. And when I say ‘steal’, I don’t necessarily mean by physically taking things. Usually it’s time. They don’t work as hard, and thus are giving you less hours and production yet you’re paying the same. The other way they steal is through employee moral. Negative people need other negative people to feed off of. And if you’re not careful as a business owner, that cancer will spread like wildfire.

Personally, as a business owner, I can deal with mistakes and forgive them pretty easily, but I’ve got no patience for cancerous attitudes.

Great stuff man, as always.

Marcus

If there is one thing I’ve learned in business Mark, is that as soon as someone within your company gets a bad attitude, they’re done, and they’re likely going to steal from you. And when I say ‘steal’, I don’t necessarily mean by physically taking things. Usually it’s time. They don’t work as hard, and thus are giving you less hours and production yet you’re paying the same. The other way they steal is through employee moral. Negative people need other negative people to feed off of. And if you’re not careful as a business owner, that cancer will spread like wildfire.

Personally, as a business owner, I can deal with mistakes and forgive them pretty easily, but I’ve got no patience for cancerous attitudes.

Great stuff man, as always.

Marcus

I agree 100% Mark. Until recently, I’ve spent my entire career in the corporate world and I’ve seen this happen over and over again. I’ve seen smart, passionate people so “poisoned” by negativity that they can no longer do their jobs effectively. Unfortunately, many organizations don’t even attempt to fire these individuals. And sometimes, the great people quit to get away from the pessimism. Organizations that understand the importance of attitude will always stand apart from the competition. 

Hi, Mark.

You are so right about eliminating viruses, whether it is in business or personal life. There are so many things that we should feel positive about, so why harness any feelings of negativity, right? Why let bad attitudes reign? If there are people who just can’t see the world in rose-colored glasses even once in a while and try to drag people down with them, then they should be told to can it or else face elimination. The world will be a better place if there are smiles all around and all these people with bad attitudes are canned or fired or anything like that.

Attitude can absolutely mean the difference between success and failure. While technical ability, being able to quickly find and use information, delegation and outsourcing can and do come into play, ultimately it’s the attitude you take toward your situation that either smacks you in the face with options, or presents a bleak landscape. And like with a virus, a bad attitude can transfer from one person to the other very quickly, even more quickly than happiness.

I agree – if you have people full of negativity working with you, get them out of the picture as quickly as possible, otherwise they’ll drag you down.

Most companies don’t have such a strict procedure to ensure the right fit, which is ironic as it can result in a much stronger company with little to no turnover. Hiring practices – another system that needs some serious work in the corporate world.

Hey Mark! I don’t know what happened to my comment and I’m trying to remember what I wrote, but I guess I’ll start over again!

Attitude is everything, I agree. Success is a mindset and those who are lucky enough to be born with it or to find it later in life are lucky indeed. They say it’s not so  much what we DO as what we BELIEVE that matters. I agree. So getting to the space in your mind where you KNOW things are going your way, that’s the key.

It helps to surround yourself with positive people; people with great attitudes! That’s why I enjoy the Blogosphere so much! Posts like this one remind me where my path is and pull me back onto it if I step off it for too long!
Lori

Definitely preach what you’re saying here Mark! If the attitude is bad, and you don’t care about your business, then why should your customers care?

I don’t think there’s such a thing as a ‘right attitude’, but you can definitely have a ‘great attitude’. Great attitudes may differ depending on the circumstances and the business, but if you do well for the company, and show it in the way you compose yourself, others will notice.

And they’ll come to you

Hey Benny, thanks for stopping by and adding to the conversation : )

There are always going to be bad apples that you run across… but you don’t have to let them in to your personal life or business.

You need to be very careful of who you give your set of ears to and you need to get to the point where you don’t tolerate it, otherwise you may get drawn in to the foolishness of it all.

Cheers Benny, I look forward to seeing more you around the community!

Hello Mr. Beach dweller… It seems like you’ve been at the beach for months!

You know it Bill – attitude is everything, and in these tough economic times, the last thing you need to have around are whiny complainers!

Give them the boot – the concrete boots Danny B. speaks of – haha!

Vacation is almost over sir – enjoy the rest of your weekend : )

It is months in the social media world, isn’t it?

This is an interesting add that business owners need to see Marianne!

I’ve experienced first hand how negative employees can infect an entire work environment and I’ve seen it and experienced it in other businesses as well.

There are some business I will never spend money at again just because of an employee had a bad attitude. These cost businesses more money then many realize.

Have a great weekend Marianne and thank you for visiting : )

You’re so right Marcus – bad attitudes breed more bad attitudes. It’s funny how even folks with bad attitudes attract others with the same tendencies. 

I failed to use the word you did and it describes it perfectly; they are ‘cancerous’ and cancer spreads if you don’t cut it out!

Thanks for popping over and sharing Marcus : )

Incredible advice. I’m finding that social media presents attitude and personality shines through. I’m able to discern these behaviors and characteristics and determine whether this person is someone I want to hire. In fact, based on engagement and a live call, I chose not to hire someone due to the traits I saw above, Mark. Not sure the person even knew they were being tapped as a potential associate, either.

Is there pizza in Costa Rica?

Based on your background, I bet you got a blog post or three you can share about hiring.

[...] that are a part of Mark’s community – Gini Dietrich, Davina Brewer, Kaarina Dillabough, Mark Harai, Ingrid Abboud, and Srini [...]

Hi Mark. Someone asked me if I could tell them about the best job I ever had. The funny thing is that my best job turned into the worst.

I’ll provide a brief summary.

I worked for a family business where they gave us the tools/resources we needed to be successful. In the early days before direct deposit they would hand out paychecks and say “thank you.”

I was surprised by how much I liked that. I hadn’t ever thought about it, but it really made us feel appreciated. We all liked being there and it wasn’t unusual to see people hang out at the office.

Between the start of the recession and 9/11 the company took a hit and things took a turn. The owners attitude changed and they started making comments about who deserved what. 

Eventually things got so bad that they dissolved the company and created two new versions. Staff was divided between the two and we were told that we go where we were told or look for new work.

In the interest of space I’ll wrap it up by saying that when they began suing each other it got even uglier. Employees were subpoenaed…

I stuck around too long. I kept thinking that we could turn it around. It was a poor move on my part- kind of like a sick person trying to get healthy by sleeping in a sick bed.

Wow Jack, that’s too bad things like this have to happen… It sounds like they had a good business going.

Attitude and culture start at the top of any size business. I understand it get’s a little harder to control inside a big business, but if the culture is one of an upbeat positive nature, those nega-grams don’t usually stick around anyhoo and visa-versa.

Law suits are sometimes necessary in business, but I will seek any other method to solve disagreements. I just don’t like to submit my time and energy to things that are so draining and negative.

It’s usually better to just move on and make it happen elsewhere or do something else all together. 

There’s only so much time in a day and I would rather be building up then taring down – it’s much more rewarding.

Cheers Jack.

I agree Kim. Attitude has everything to do with your personal and/or professional experience. EVERYTHING.

One is either lifting, building, overcoming and achieving or on the flip side, complaining, arguing, whining and basically creating a nauseous way to live and experience life. 

Life can be an adventure or a nightmare — your attitude determines which one your experiencing, not your circumstances…

Cheers Kim, have a wonderful weekend miss : )

It’s amazing how much money is wasted on hiring employees that don’t fit into the culture you’re trying to create. 

It is something that would save companies a lot of money and keep some in business as well.

You hit the nail on the head Stu, customers DO care and don’t bother doing business with you once they have a bad taste in their mouth. 

That’s the kind of word of mouth advertising businesses don’t need!

These are wise words from a wise business mind Robert…

I imagine some folks reading this could be saying that this is not as big a deal as it sounds; but. it. is.

Once you’re in the cloud, it’s hard to come out and breathe fresh air… It’s a slow death, one that brings with it much pain and suffering. 

Failing in business sucks, so hire the best people you can possibly find that have the best chance at taking you to the promise land.

OK, I exaggerated… It seems like weeks; but weeks do turn into months – especially in the social media world

Well of course Jayme… they have Papa Johns, Pizza Hut and lot’s of small Pizzeria’s… My favorite is the same as  - vegetarian baby  

I remember applying for a few of the larger organizations. They’re systems were composed of a computer program that would automatically scan submitted resumes for keywords and then send them to a hiring manager for a job if the document met certain criteria. Yeah, good luck finding quality people that method.
I remember when you could find all the answers online to the Microsoft certification exams. I imagine it’s much easier today than it was back in 2002.

You know, I probably can Jayme… I’ve always taken the team approach to business: http://dimepr.com/x/1gc

It has always served me well and I just love to create an exciting upbeat atmosphere.

Yikes, you are thorough Jayme!

Applicant: “But I didn’t say that” 

Jayme: “You most certainly did butt head, have a listen for yourself!”

You’re Not Hired!

LOL!

Hey, isn’t that cheating – hehe!

Hey Mark,
I worked for a trucking company that was like the Night of the Living Dead. The attitude permeated throughout the place as if it were in the very air itself. I encourage as it is natural for me. But, even I was taking some serious lumps there. I made the choice to leave for that and other reasons. It was a great choice. Now when friends from there call me I can encourage on my terms once again.     

Haha – OK, this is the funniest comment on this post Rob – thanks for stopping by!

I’m glad you high tailed it of there. It sounds like they may need some encouragement over there, if anything, some encouragement to leave the place.

Cheers Rob!

Believing and doing go hand in hand to getting to where you desire to go… What really matters is recognizing when fear and doubt try to invade your spirit and getting those thoughts and emotions out of mind and out of site.

For some, they don’t see the error of their ways and don’t fight the good fight to stay in the game and fight their way to the top. They’re just broken units and accept what life throws at them.

Maintaining a ‘great attitude’ is not always easy… It’s just required if you’re going to accomplish anything worthwhile in life.

Fight on Lori!

Exactly. I have a lot of experience when it comes to this. I just can’t believe that ensuring the right fit for the company culture is not a top priority. I believe that this is a huge problem in Norway (I don’t know about other countries, but what I have experienced here is frightening)

Costa Rica sounds like a place for me then

As long as there is pizza – haha!

You enjoy your weekend as well, Mark.  

I agree with this big time Mark! I have always paid close attention to one’s attitude when in the hiring seat. 

Personally, I’m a positive person. I have a good attitude. I know this because I’m told it all the time, and I deliberately project it because it’s what represents my take on life…life is good.

Mark, I have 3 healthy kids and a healthy wife to top it off (and I’m healthy my self). And to push it further I’ve been so blessed to wake up everyday for 30 years. Not to get too deep, but some babies are born dead upon birth. I have NO reason to have a bad attitude. And as a leader, I display a good attitude and I share why I have it…because I want people to know that even though life is hard at times, and it doesn’t always go our way  - we still have a LOT to be thankful for. 

For anyone that argues the power of displaying a positive attitude….3.5 yeas ago I was promoted at a job simply because of my attitude. 20% increase in pay. Not a bad deal for having a positive impact on people!

PEACE

Hi Mark
you are right. In fact i was the virus one day.  i was working in a job that didn’t my match my personality and i started spreading negativity there hoping to change things, in the end i left (thankfully they didn’t kick me out )

Hi Mark
“No complaining, negative, argumentative, whiny, prima donna’s need apply”
That should be at the top of every job application form. LOL

As you point out, that sort of attitude is infectious, spreads just like a virus.

I was fortunate to start my working life with some very talented and positive people.
They taught me good habits and good attitudes and I hope that I pass that on to others.

Never come across it in an organisation but met lots of people with such negative attitudes.
Best to avoid them.

Hi Keith – it sounds like we had mentors with the same mindset : )

I’ve seen what a bad attitude (s) can do to a business. You have to eliminate from the equation, or their cancer does spread. 

I like your last statement, and it’s the answer for both your personal and professional life; “avoid them at all costs!”

Have  a great weekend sir : )

That’s awesome Farouk — many don’t recognize and learn from this mistake. 

It doesn’t pay to tear down or interject negativity to a bad environment; it’s best to just pull out and invest yourself and your great attitude into an organization that appreciates it.You don’t ever want to be labeled a nega-gram. People and businesses, if they’re smart, will begin to avoid you at all cost Cheers bro!

Sounds like it.
I didn’t realise it at the time but they were great guys.

Cheers Mark

Well, you were lucky to have that mindset ingrained into your mind. I’m sure it has helped you become a very effective leader and business builder. 

It’s one component you cannot lack to move people and businesses forward…

A natural born leader, eh Mr. Allen???

I love your outlook and attitude on things. You’ve pointed out something very profound with your comment. People with bad attitudes aren’t grateful or thankful for anything.

One aspect of having a great attitude is recognizing those things to be thankful and grateful for everyday. Simply waking up is something to be extremely thankful for, as thousands of people did not.

Making it through day with no accidents, having your health, your family having their health, friends, family, and so on… there is so much to be thankful for everyday.

And yet, so many having a pity party, poor me, lousy attitude. Talk about not seeing the big picture! 

The truth is, in order to have a bad attitude, you really have to be so self-centered, self absorbed blind person. 

Oops, a rant is developing, sorry — Happy Saturday Jk!

Hi Mark!

Boy, I sure wish more people just got straight to the point like you do here!

Seriously, it really is as simple as you say – people tend to muck it up with other ideas, but in the end, good energy, good luck, wealth, etc., all stem from not only how you perceive the circumstances you find yourself in, but, as you say, how you verbalize them. 

We create our reality…and when we walk around with complaints, negativity, and talk of bad luck, well that’s all we’re gonna see reflected back to us. 

Thanks for keeping it real and (positively) to the point today Mark!

Very well stated miss Berg : )

And thank you for sharing a piece of your mind here today ma’am!

I’m obviously with you 100%. 

Maintaining a good attitude is not easy. I have so much respect for business owners and entrepreneurs because I understand the battles they fight everyday. It’s not for the weak or timid. It’s for the courageous and determined.

You must be a dragon slayer in business to overcome the challenging realities that greet you everyday in your business and the onslaught of mental images that attempt to thwart your vision and aspirations. 

You must rise above it all in order to build a successful business that thrives. 

I like simple so I just asked myself one day, is there any benefit in being negative? The answer was no, so I never looked back. People like to be around positive, enthusiastic, energetic people, so be one of them. It’s not hard, it’s about being thankful for what you have and being curious about what’s to come.

Thanks for your inspiration Mark,
Wim

This makes very good sense to me Wim…

All I can say is thanks for inspiration sir : )

We are like-minded peeps, that’s a very good thing Wim – cheers to you sir!

When I was working in various companies, I found that there were so many people with negative mindset. They were always busy pulling others down and making workplace difficult to work in.
However organizations tolerate such people ( I dont know why) and they are the reason whole atmosphere is vitiated.
Keeping the positive attitude is must for personal and organizational growth, but some people never get it.

Can you imagine how much more productive companies like the one you worked with would be if their was a supportive, upbeat atmosphere to work in?

Time flies when you’re having fun too!

Have you ever noticed how the day’s just dragged by with everybody pissing and moaning? 

That’s not the type of work environment that generates profits…

Thanks for stopping by and sharing a piece of you mind here Ashvini : )

[...] strapped and sometimes will just put the main domain name of a site rather than dive into a blog. That’s just my laziness, too. Or, I’ll easily ad the Twitter ID because I don’t [...]

[...] are the one in charge, and… you have the courage to execute. On Mark’s blog, he wrote Eliminate Viruses from your business, he says: It got me thinking about one particular thing you absolutely need to drive your business [...]

Saw an interview where Tony Tsei the CEO of Zappos himself mentioned this and it was a big eye opener.

He went ahead to explain that they did this to ensure the culture at Zappos is leak proof. Making sure only those they want are those on board.

Attitude definitely is an expensive mistake to overlook in business.

[...] one of the first person to help and guide me online announced he was going to stop blogging. Mark Harai, a mentor for a digital baby like myself, showed generosity and took the time to connect with and [...]

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