She had a nice smile and attentive eyes.

That’s what I noticed about the waitress at the Italian restaurant we visited the other night. After first asking permission to explain the restaurant’s menu in detail because we were first-time visitors, she thoughtfully pointed out special dishes, made her own personal recommendations and added emphasis to the specials of the night.

She had a nice smile and attentive eyes. Those two traits are important. I could have hired this young woman to do many different jobs in many industries. She has the prerequisite every employer wants in sales, marketing, finance or personnel. That nice smile and fully present look told me she had a good attitude about work. The prerequisite is attitude. Attitude is the one thing we can’t change in employees. You’ve got a good attitude or you don’t. Given adequate ability and desire to learn, everything else can be taught to employees with good attitudes. I have tried many times to teach good attitudes and have come to the conclusion it is about as easy as making a mud fence.

How do you find employees with good attitudes?

It’s simple to understand. You look for them. They are everywhere.

• They are behind the teller counter at the bank.
• I’ve seen them at BestBuy selling computers.
• I’ve spotted them volunteering for their favorite causes.
• You’ve struck up a conversation with them working out at the gym.
• He showed up to fix your cable TV problem.
• She solved your insurance claim problem over the phone.

You have an employee(s) with good attitudes. Ask them about who they know that might want to work in your organization. Ask those with good attitudes because they hang out with others with good attitudes.

When you spot a good attitude try this technique. Simply say to the person, “You have a terrific smile and attitude. My organization is always looking for people with attitudes like yours. If you are looking for a change, please call me”, as you hand over your card, “ keep up the good work.”

The above message delivered correctly will, at the minimum, be the high point of the recipient’s day. It may be the next step on a career path.

For you, delivering the above message may be the first step to finding more employees with good attitudes. You can’t find gold without looking for it.

Leading for success can help you grow your business!! This is just one of the eight strategies I can teach you to achieve that goal. Would you like to know more? click here

"Some people grin and bear it; others smile and do it." --Unknown

"Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character."--Albert Einstein

"All the statistics in the world can't measure the warmth of a smile."--Chris Hart

Does hiring on attitude work? Let me tell you first hand, it does! A while ago, I made the decision I’d need some help to publish two electronic newsletters every week.

I'd noticed my friend Jackie, recently retired, had a nice smile and a good attitude. She paid attention when people spoke to her and she had a positive way of expressing herself.

I asked her if she’d like to tackle the job of producing two electronic newsletters every week. I told her I’d do all of the writing, but all of the other “stuff” was up to her. Her positive attitude allowed her to quickly learn the details of putting together the newsletters on deadline. Attitude makes a difference.

Enjoy the Labor Day holiday.

Thanks for reading. Please forward this newsletter to anyone that you think might enjoy it. The subscriber list continues to grow thanks to your efforts.

Newsletter topic ideas and comments are always welcome. Send me an e-note.

Life is short, ride hard.

Doug

I also write a weekly electronic newsletter for Professional Horsemen. If you are interested in the business world of horsemen, or have friends in the horse business,take a peek. I am spurring others on to help me promote this newsletter.