Attitude Meaning

In simple words, an “attitude” is an individual’s way of looking or an individual’s point of

view at something.

To be more specific, an “attitude” may be defined as the mental state of an individual,

which prepares him to react or make him behave in a particular pre-determined way. It is
actually an acquired feeling.

Attitude is the mixture of beliefs and feelings that people have about situations, specific ideas
or other people.

Importance of Attitude
1. Career success
2. Productivity
3. Leadership
4. Teamwork
5. Decision making
6. Motivation
7. Interpersonal relations
8. Stress management
Career success

Performance is a parameter to measure employees‘ success in the workplace. Performance

leads to success either through promotion or increased compensation. A positive attitude of
an employee will help him to think of ways to accomplish their task in a well-defined manner

Productivity

An employee with a positive attitude tends to take more interest and responsibility and will
provide better work, which in turn will improve productivity.

Leadership

Managing a diverse workforce is a crucial task for achieving the objective of an organization.
Positive attitude demonstrated by leaders or employee will result in proper communication
between the subordinate which will lead to efficient work.

Teamwork

A positive attitude of employees helps to appreciate each other‘s competencies and work as a
team for achieving common objectives.

Decision making

An employee with a positive attitude and mindset will help employees to make better
decisions, in an objective manner. It will enable employees to choose wisely and logically
and avoid them to take an unambiguous decision.

Motivation

Motivation is an important factor for efficient work. An employee with a positive attitude
will always be mentally prepared to face any obstacle in a job. The moment they are
successful in overcoming obstacles, they are motivated to move forward.

Interpersonal relations

Customers prefer to make relation with someone who is positive in nature. A positive attitude
helps in establishing valuable customer loyalty.

Stress management

Positive attitude and thinking will reduce the stress of an employee and with reduced stress
employee can take a better decision and increase their productivity which results, employees,
to enjoy better health and take fewer sick leaves.

Factors Responsible for Development of Attitudes

The factors which lead to development of attitudes are:
a. Family
b. Peers
c. Conditioning
d. Social adjustment functions
e. Direct instruction
f. Modelling
g. Satisfaction of wants and
h. Prejudices!

a. Family:
Family is the most powerful source for formation of attitudes. The parents, siblings provide
information about various things.
Attitudes developed by an individual, whether positive or negative are the result of family
influence, are very powerful and difficult to undo.

b. Peers:
As the individual develops, he comes in contact with outer world and peers in first place.
Peers include same age friends, neighbours, classmates, etc. The child tries to internalise the
attitudes of these people.

c. Conditioning:
When we are conditioned or adjusted to a certain set up of people, situation, etc., we will
be influenced by that. Hence, our associations lead to develop attitudes. Many times the
kind of reinforcement we get from environment also leads to develop attitudes.
On the other hand, negative reinforcement like punishment, teasing, criticizing, troubling
may lead to develop negative attitude.
Examples: when a patient’s life is saved by a particular hospital at critical moments, he will
develop a favourable attitude about that hospital (classical conditioning). Similarly, in
instrumental conditioning, reward consequences of any behaviour will shape our attitude.
For example, if you express an attitude to a friend, who then reinforce your behaviour in the
form of smiling, your attitude is likely to be strengthened, otherwise gets weakened.

d. Social adjustment functions:

This is otherwise called balance theory. Every society has majority of people who prefer to
lead a harmonious life. They try to avoid unnecessary friction of conflicts with people.
Naturally, they are inclined to develop positive attitudes towards most of the people and
issues. Our attitudes may facilitate and maintain our relationships with members of
positively valued groups. Usually we want to go with significant others to us, and rebel
against those unwanted.

e. Direct instruction:
Sometimes direct instruction can influence attitude formation. For example, somebody gives
information about a hair dye or usefulness of some fruit, we develop an attitude about that
product, may be positive or negative.

f. Modelling:
This has been influential in developing attitudes toward a wide range of issues from alcohol
to various kinds of dress, shoes, etc.
g. Satisfaction of wants:
Individual develops favourable attitudes towards those people and objects which satisfy his
wants and unfavourable attitudes towards those who do not satisfy.

h. Prejudices:
Prejudices are preconceived ideas or judgments where one develops some attitudes on
other people, objects, etc., without proper information. For example, disliking a doctor or a
nurse without knowing their abilities, just because of their caste, religion, region,
nationality, etc.
Positive Attitude

Individuals who have a positive attitude will pay attention to the good rather than bad in
people, situations, events.

A simple example of a positive attitude; when you are having a very bad run of luck but still
say “Good Morning” rather than “What’s so good about this morning.”

Well, Good news; you have a positive attitude.

Negative Attitude

People with a negative attitude ignore the good and pay attention to the bad in people,
situations, events, etc.

For example, when a guy has so much power, wealth, and influence with great luck; but still
complains and goes on a rant; well, that person has a negative attitude.

Does it remind you of someone? ▸ iedunote.com/positive-negative-attitude-example-

difference

What’s The Difference In Their Mindset?

1) Reaction To Failure:

Positive people see failure as a chance to learn and grow. They recognise that failure is an
occurrence that does not define who they are. Failure emotionally disables negative people
because they allow it to define who they are. They don’t realise it’s all part of the learning
and growing process.

2) Challenges:

Positive people enjoy being challenged. They recognise that there can be no growth without
difficulty. Positive people welcome challenges and look for methods to overcome them.
Negative folks choose the easy way out. They avoid impediments like the plague since they
raise the likelihood of failure. Hard times, according to negative people, do not make you, but
rather break you.
3) Perfectionism:

Positive folks put up their best effort regardless of the circumstances. They recognise that
there are many things over which they have no control, but effort is not one of them. The
positive person always gives their best effort, even if it isn’t much. Negative individuals want
things to be simple for them. If they have to work hard, they will assume they aren’t good at
it and will give up. They are more likely to give them all if they are aware that others are
watching them.

4) Know-It-All:

Positive folks enjoy learning. They recognise that information evolves and that what worked
ten years ago may no longer be useful today. Negative people assume they know everything,
and they are less likely to embrace fresh knowledge that challenges their beliefs. They are
more concerned with who is right than with what is right.

Health And Well Being:

According to a growing amount of studies, maintaining an optimistic mindset can help your
physical health. Scientists supported by the nih are striving to better understand the
connections between your mindset and your body. They’re finding some evidence that
mastering particular abilities can promote emotional wellbeing.

Coping Mechanisms

Positive Attitude:

1. Positive Reframing: They Tend To Reframe Negative Situations Into Positive Ones.
2. Optimism: They Remain Resilient In The Face Of Adversity.
3. Seeking Support: They Seek Social Support Of Friends And Family Whenever They
Are In Trouble.
4. Gratitude: They Give Less Excuses About Things In Life. They Always Have A
Heart Full Of Gratitude.

Negative Attitude:

1. Avoidance: They Tend To Put All Things Under The Carpet And Do Not Confront
Challenges.
2. Denial: They Occasionally Deny The Severity Of The Problems.
3. Blame: They Engage In Blame Shifting, Pointing Fingers At Others. They Never See
Themselves As A Victim To A Problem.
4. Escapism: These People Engage In Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms Such As Binge
Drinking, Substance Abuse, and Binge Drinking.

Importance Of Positive Attitude:

  Broaden Our Worldview (Thereby Motivating Greater Creativity, Wonder, And
Options)
 Build Throughout Time To Achieve Long-Term Emotional Resilience And
Flourishing.

Forgiveness And Positive Attitude:

Forgiveness entails totally acknowledging that a negative incident occurred and letting go of
our negative sentiments about the situation. According to research, forgiveness improves our
mental, emotional, and physical well-being. And it is something that can be learnt, as proved
by the stanford forgiveness project, which trained 260 individuals in forgiveness over the
course of six weeks.

 70% reported a lessening in their hurt feelings.

 13% reported less anger.
 27% reported less bodily problems (such as discomfort, stomach distress, dizziness,
and so on).

Forgiveness has also been related to improved immune function and a longer lifespan. Other
research has found that forgiveness has more than a metaphorical effect on the heart: it can
actually lower our blood pressure and improve our cardiovascular health.

How To Cultivate A Positive Attitude:

1. Make Yourself Happy: The Mind Is A Tremendous Tool. If You Allow Yourself To
Maintain A Happy Outlook, Your Attitude Will Follow.
2. Pay Attention To Your Inner Monologue: When Confronted With A Bad Notion,
Transform It Into A Positive Thought.
3. Interact With Positive People And In Positive Settings: Do Things With
Individuals Who Positively Encourage You. Visit Locations With Particular
Meanings And Wonderful Recollections Or Associations.
4. Take Pleasure In The Little Things In Life: Laughter Is One Of The Most Effective
Mood Boosters. Give Yourself Permission To Laugh.
5. Allow Yourself To Be Cherished: Everyone Is Deserving Of Love. Everyone Is
Adored.

External Motivation

External motivation comes from outside influences. It includes rewards like bonuses,
promotions, recognition, and praise from others. These motivators can be powerful, providing
a tangible reason to push through complex tasks. For example, knowing that a successful
project could lead to a significant bonus can inspire a team to work extra hours and deliver
exceptional results.

However, relying solely on external motivation can be risky. External factors are often
beyond our control and can fluctuate based on circumstances. Economic downturns,
organizational changes, or shifts in management priorities can all impact the availability and
consistency of external motivators.

Internal Motivation

On the other hand, internal motivation is driven by personal satisfaction and the intrinsic
value we place on our work. It includes the joy of solving a challenging problem, the
fulfillment of achieving a personal goal, and the sense of pride in doing a job well. Internal
motivation is deeply rooted in our values, passions, and the sense of purpose we derive from
our work.

Internal motivation is often more sustainable than external motivation because it comes from
within. It does not rely on external validation or rewards, making it more resilient to external
changes. When internally motivated, we are more likely to stay committed and enthusiastic,
even in the face of obstacles.

What is self-motivation?
To be specific, self-motivation is the internal drive that leads us to take action towards a goal.
It keeps us moving forward, even when we don’t want to. An example of this is when you’re
going for a run.

You set a goal to run for 20 minutes, but at 15 minutes you’re exhausted. You want to stop.
Self-motivation is what keeps you disciplined to run out the clock.

As the name implies, self-motivation works through you, internally. It doesn’t depend on
others. When you motivate yourself, you push yourself to reach your personal goals through
hard work and passion.

You're the one reaching for new opportunities and doing the Inner Work® needed to make
long-term change. This takes sustained effort, self-discipline, and true self-confidence.

Why is self-motivation essential or Important

Self-motivation is the secret weapon to achieving your goals. It impacts both your
professional and personal life. Without it, you could struggle. Though having a support
network is important, you can’t depend on others to push you your entire life.

Our goals require a lot of focus, which can be easy to lose. Self-motivation keeps your focus
tight because it’s the practice of reminding yourself about the bigger picture. This allows you
to ask important questions like, “how will this new skill further my career?”

Self-motivation helps you see your daily tasks as part of your long-term goals and consider
how what you’re doing lines up with your life purpose.
Setting goals that are aligned with your desires can improve your well-being. When you’re
motivating yourself, you can work toward achievements that give you a sense of deeper
meaning. If you encounter any challenges or obstacles, your self-motivation will propel you
through them.

Rather than depending on others to determine your career path, you can make those decisions
for yourself — and then find the power inside of you to achieve what you want.

Self-efficacy, which refers to our belief in ourselves to meet our goals or a certain standard, is
related to self-motivation. If we believe in ourselves and our abilities, we’re more likely to
succeed. Knowing that we can stay motivated will improve our self-efficacy, which in turn
improves our self-motivation. It’s a win-win.

Ultimately self-motivation shows you that by staying motivated now, you can make your 5-
year-plan happen. You are capable of following your dreams — you just need to be resilient
and continually focused.

11 self-motivation techniques
Self-motivation isn’t a skill that you're born with. However, it can be learned if you take the
time to focus and change up your normal routine.

If you're wondering how to overcome a lack of self-motivation, here are 11 techniques to try:

1. Build healthy habits that help you create momentum each day (like eating a healthy
breakfast)
2. Develop a growth mindset, not a fixed mindset
3. Set goals with the SMART goals method: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant,
and time-bound
4. Write up a personal vision statement to keep your intentions clear
5. Take a moment to sit down and do a self-evaluation
6. Step out of your comfort zone sometimes
7. Practice efficient self-management in ways that don’t drain you
8. Look at your failures as learning opportunities
9. Practice gratitude so you can be motivated by the good things in your life
10. Try to keep a positive attitude and practice positive thinking when you’re
discouraged
11. Reward yourself for your successes and forgive yourself for your failures

What is Demotivation?
Definition: Demotivation is the lack of enthusiasm or interest that an employee has in his or
her work. Demotivated employees are often uninterested in their jobs and may avoid
completing tasks or engaging with others. Demotivation is inversely proportional to
motivation, which is the desire to achieve a goal or outcome.

Demotivation is a state of mind characterized by a lack of interest in and enjoyment of

activities that were once found enjoyable. Demotivated individuals may find it difficult to
engage in activities, complete tasks, or interact with others.

Demotivating Factors

Why do people get demotivated?

Two major reasons: Negative thinking or negative environment. Negative thinking could
relate to the individual, whereas a negative environment can be further divided into two
categories: physical or emotional. An example of the physical environment could be that the
phone does not work, computers don’t work, nothing works, how do I work? On the
emotional side, it could be people-related matters. Some other demotivating factors are:

 Lack of training
 Unfair/negative/public criticism
 Rewarding the non-performers (which can be demotivating for the performers)
 Failure or fear of failure
 Playing favorites/nepotism
 Success (which leads to complacence)
 Lack of measurable objectives
 Lack of appreciation or feeling of belonging
 Too much or too little work
 Low self-esteem
 Lack of priorities
 Negative self-talk
 Hostile environment
 Office politics/unfair treatment
 Poor standards/lack of quality consciousness
 Too much change too fast
 Responsibility without authority
 Too much job security/insecurity
 Hypocritical or incompetent supervisor
 Lack of clarity of roles and goals
 Lack of challenge or a feeling of being underutilized

What is goal setting?

A well-defined goal setting process is a surefire way to improve your organization’s
performance and reach new levels of success. In a business environment, goals are
achievements you want to attain at the organization, team, or employee level over a specific
period of time.
As a powerful driver of motivation and learning, effective goal setting involves using a
structured working model to approach your goals. That is, using the goal setting theory as a
model for understanding the components of a practical goal.

What is the Importance of Goal Setting?

Goal setting is fundamental for several reasons, as it provides both individuals and
organizations with a strategic framework to drive growth and success. Establishing clear
goals fosters a sense of direction, enabling decision-making and resource allocation to align
with specific targets. It also cultivates motivation by giving people a tangible outcome to
strive toward, sustaining their focus and determination.

In real-world scenarios, personal goals like weight loss or mastering a new skill are achieved
more effectively when broken into manageable steps, fostering progress and maintaining
motivation. Professionally, businesses rely on setting goals to align team efforts with strategic
priorities. For instance, a marketing team aiming to increase website traffic by 20% will
develop tailored strategies, like optimizing SEO or running targeted ad campaigns, to achieve
that objective. By setting goals that provide accountability and encourage evaluation,
individuals and teams can monitor progress, identify obstacles, and refine their strategies for
continuous improvement.

Goal Setting Theory: How Does it Work?

Goal setting theory, developed by Edwin Locke and Gary Latham, emphasizes that well-
defined and challenging goals significantly enhance performance. This theory hinges on
several principles that guide effective goal setting:

 Clarity
 Challenge
 Commitment
 Feedback
 Task Complexity

Clarity is crucial because specific goals provide clear expectations, reducing uncertainty
about desired outcomes and creating a roadmap for action. Challenging goals, which are
ambitious but attainable, motivate people to exert greater effort. Individuals are more likely
to persevere when they are committed to the goal and feel invested in achieving it.
Constructive feedback serves to keep progress on track and motivates necessary adjustments
along the way. Finally, task complexity plays a role in the goal-setting process, as simpler
tasks require straightforward goals, while more complex objectives demand detailed, well-
structured goals with milestones.

In a corporate setting, companies implement goal-setting theory by integrating it into

performance reviews, employee development plans, and productivity assessments. For
instance, during performance reviews, managers and employees collaboratively set
personalized goals that are challenging yet realistic. This process promotes accountability and
encourages employees to improve their productivity. Employee development programs also
use the theory to craft individual growth goals, which can lead to upskilling and career
advancement. By incorporating regular feedback sessions and milestones, organizations
ensure that goals are adjusted as needed, creating a continuous loop of evaluation and
refinement. Ultimately, goal-setting theory aligns individual and organizational priorities,
fostering a culture where employees strive for excellence and actively contribute to business
success.

What are the S.M.A.R.T. Key Components of Effective Goal Setting?

Effective goal setting requires several key components that pave the way for successful
outcomes. Specificity is crucial, as clearly defined goals eliminate ambiguity and help break
down larger objectives into manageable tasks. For instance, a vague objective like “improve
sales” can be clarified to “increase monthly sales by 15% in Q3,” which provides a focused
direction.

 Measurability is another important factor, as measurable criteria make it possible to monitor

progress and assess success. Tracking metrics such as revenue growth, lead conversion rates,
or customer satisfaction scores ensures that progress is visible and adjustments can be made
as needed.
 Achievability is vital to maintaining commitment and motivation. Setting realistic goals that
stretch an individual’s or organization’s abilities without overwhelming them keeps teams
engaged and driven.
 Relevance ensures that goals align with broader personal or organizational objectives. This
connection maintains focus and reinforces the importance of achieving each goal.

Lastly, timeliness establishes deadlines that create a sense of urgency and a clear timeline for
completion. With a definitive end date, teams are motivated to act promptly and deliver
results efficiently. Together, these components lay the groundwork for goal setting that is
strategic, purposeful, and capable of driving meaningful success.

7 goal setting steps

After choosing a suitable goal setting framework, you can begin crafting and perfecting your
goal setting process. Use the seven goal setting steps highlighted below to ensure you've
established goals correctly and are on the right track.

Step 1: Figure out your goals

The first step of an actionable goal setting process is figuring out what you want to achieve,
why you want to achieve it, and when you want to achieve it. If you’re unsure where to start,
use your company’s comprehensive mission statement as a base. This way, you can work on
setting goals for employees and teams based on your company’s priorities.

Step 2: Write your goals down

Once you’ve settled on your goals, the second step involves writing these down. Putting pen
to paper and writing out your goals cements them as tangible, improves clarity, and gives you
time to reflect on why you chose them. When putting your goals in writing, it’s essential to
take note of your language: avoid using perhaps, may, or might, as these can affect how
attainable you perceive these goals to be.

Step 3: Consider how you’ll measure your goals

After solidifying your goals in writing, the third step of the goal setting process is figuring
out how you'll measure goal progress. Achieving your goals requires you to know precisely
what success looks like, and most of the time, this requires a quantifiable approach, such as
using KPIs or OKRs.

Step 4: Prepare for potential obstacles

You must be prepared to encounter challenges when working to achieve your goals. As
challenges can come in many forms (e.g., knowledge, people, skills, or context), you need to
take a bird’s-eye view and consider all grounds when anticipating goal setting obstacles.
Once you’ve pinpointed possible hurdles, dig deeper into their root causes. Thinking of these
beforehand can help you address and tackle goal setting issues before they emerge, resulting
in more confidence throughout the goal setting process.

Step 5: Map out a timeline

The fifth step of goal setting is to create a timeline for your goals. This timeline should
clearly outline the tasks, milestones, and deadlines you need to tick off to achieve your goals.
A visual timeline of everything you need to accomplish can help you create realistic
expectations for achieving your goals while making the more significant goal seem more
digestible.

Step 6: Create a plan

After establishing your goal setting timeline, you need a plan for approaching these goals.
With a plan in place, you become aware of what you need to do to accomplish the goals
you’ve set out for your business. You can start creating a plan by first emphasizing the daily
habits you must get into to gain momentum. After this, pan out to the weekly, monthly, and
quarterly steps you need to take to overcome obstacles and successfully realize your goals.

Step 7: Monitor progress consistently

A study by Censuswide and Geckoboard revealed that tracking your progress increases the
likelihood of obtaining your goals, with companies that track progress hitting their goals
almost twice as much as companies that don’t. As such, you need to engrain weekly or
monthly goal progress reviews into your goal setting process. Doing so can also help you
remain organized and focused while allowing you to reflect on your goal performance.
What is Prioritization?
To decide which of a group of things are the most important so that you can
deal with them first:
Importance of Prioritization
 Efficient Use of Time – Prioritization helps individuals make the most efficient use of their
time. By identifying the most critical tasks that need to be completed, individuals can focus
on them first and allocate their time accordingly. This ensures that valuable time is not wasted
on less important tasks, leading to increased productivity.

 Goal Achievement – Prioritization is critical to achieving goals. When individuals prioritize

tasks, they ensure that they are working on the most important tasks that will help them
achieve their goals. This helps individuals stay focused and motivated, reducing the risk of
burnout.

 Reduced Stress – Prioritization reduces stress levels by helping individuals manage their
workload more effectively. By identifying the most important tasks and completing them
first, individuals can reduce the pressure of an overwhelming workload. This leads to a more
relaxed and focused approach to work.

 Improved Decision Making – Prioritization helps individuals make better decisions. When
individuals prioritize tasks, they are forced to consider the level of importance and urgency of
each task. This helps individuals make informed decisions about how to allocate their time
and resources.

Benefits of Prioritization
 Increased Productivity – Prioritization leads to increased productivity by allowing
individuals to focus on the most critical tasks. By completing the most important tasks first,
individuals can reduce the number of urgent tasks that require their attention. This leads to a
more efficient and productive workday.

 Improved Time Management – Prioritization leads to improved time management by helping

individuals allocate their time more effectively. By focusing on the most important tasks first,
individuals can avoid wasting time on less important tasks. This helps individuals manage
their time more efficiently, leading to increased productivity and reduced stress.

 Enhanced Decision Making – Prioritization enhances decision-making skills by helping

individuals consider the level of importance and urgency of each task. By prioritizing tasks,
individuals can make informed decisions about how to allocate their time and resources. This
leads to a more efficient and effective decision-making process.

 Increased Focus – Prioritization increases focus by helping individuals stay focused on the
most important tasks. By completing the most critical tasks first, individuals can avoid
distractions and maintain their focus. This leads to a more productive and efficient workday.

Task prioritization techniques

Eisenhower matrix
With the Eisenhower matrix, the x-axis represents urgency while the y-axis represents
importance, leaving you with the following categories (from the top-left going clockwise):

 Important but not urgent tasks are lower priorities that you should add to your to-do
list for later.
 Important and urgent tasks are your top priorities.
 Urgent but not important tasks are ones that must get done but can be delegated to
someone else.
 Not urgent or important tasks are probably unnecessary distractions.

To use it, evaluate each task based on its urgency and importance, and then place the task in
the corresponding quadrant.

2. MoSCoW prioritization method

The MoSCoW method is a simple technique for prioritizing tasks where you assign every
task on your to-do list to one of four categories:

 M – Must do: M tasks are things you absolutely have to do.

 S – Should do: S tasks are things you should do, but they're a lower priority than M
tasks.
 C – Could do: C tasks are nice-to-dos. You'd like to do them, but if you don't, it's
probably not a big deal.
 W – Won't do: W tasks are things that just aren't worth doing.

Why You Should Start Now - The Benefits of Prioritizing

The article, The Importance and Benefits of Task Prioritization, for colorservices.mobi,
points out that prioritizing tasks offers the following benefits:
1. It reduces stress and increases productivity. “Knowing that you don’t have to finish all tasks at
once, or in a single day will give you a more flexible time to focus on the most important things first.”

2. It helps you create room to check your errors. “Task prioritization ensures that you allocate
sufficient time to complete tasks and also make necessary changes in order to save time and become
more productive.”

3. It gives you more time to relax. “When you complete your scheduled tasks ahead of the time
allocated, you have sufficient time to relax and recharge your body for future tasks. You may even
allocate breaks in-between your tasks.”

4. It helps you avoid procrastination. “Procrastination is the number one hindrance to

productivity… because it forces you to waste your time…”

5. It keeps you motivated. “When you prioritize your tasks and see positive results, you will become
motivated to handle even more tasks…”