Friday, May 28, 2010
Attitude Is Everything
An individual’s attitude can affect the morale of the people you interact with and can help you be more successful. I know that I am generally perceived to have a positive attitude and I think it is one of the chief factors that contributes to my effectiveness as a teacher. I approach my classes with enthusiasm. I think what I am teaching is important and I sincerely believe my students will succeed. I think that this “attitude” is apparent to my students and contributes to their enjoyment of my classes.
An article from After the Chalkdust Settles, published by ETFO suggests a number of steps you can take to improve the attitudes of those around you:
- As an individual, try to turn negative comments into positive ones. Use humor if possible.
- Ask the person who makes a negative comment if there is something you can do to help.
Acknowledge the person’s feelings while, at the same time, offering something positive to change the focus of the comment.
- Saying nothing or responding with another negative statement will only perpetuate and reinforce negativity, bad feelings, and tension among the staff.
- Assume the best in others. Look for the positive side of a situation. Try to find common ground to build to a positive outcome.
- Actions speak louder than words. Don’t just think or talk about a problem, do something about it.
- Simplify your life. Get rid of unhealthy relationships and maintain contact with positive people.
- Set reasonable tasks, goals, and expectations for yourself. Celebrate your accomplishments.
- Allow yourself to make mistakes.
- Laugh often with others and at yourself.
- Don’t hesitate to forgive, forget, and move ahead.
- Celebrate the successes of others as much as your own.
- Be a good listener when a colleague is experiencing difficulty.
- Avoid listening to or participating in negative talk about a colleague.
- Share the work fairly in the school among the staff.
- Be kind to each other. Empathize when necessary.
We cannot make other people act in certain ways, but we can make choices regarding react to situations and what types of attitudes we convey. Research indicates that those with positive attitudes have lower stress levels, less sickness and live longer. As well as improving the environment for colleagues, an optimistic teacher helps students understand the importance of attitude in realizing one’s dreams and potential. A positive attitude can make each day better, and keep us in good health for our entire lives.
Attitude: It’s Everything, http://www.etfo.org/AdviceForMembers/PRSMattersBulletins/Pages/Attitude%20-%20Its%20Everything.aspx