Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.
Thomas Jefferson

Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character.
Albert Einstein

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.
Winston Churchill

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(This was prompted by a young man who is starting a new job next week.  I gave him my synopsis handout for the book The Art of the Start by Guy Kawasaki, mentioned a couple of other books to check out, and then shared a few thoughts.  This is written with him in mind – but, really, for all of us.  By the way, no matter how long you have worked in your current job, be sure to read the last paragraph of this post).

What is your attitude — at work?  Especially, on your very first day on the job?  People will watch the “new person,” and make very quick evaluations.  In fact, first impressions are so very, very significant.  So, if you will think about your attitude, and then intentionally demonstrate the attitude you intend to demonstrate, it will go a long way toward you “starting off on the right foot.”

So, here are 7 attitudes to demonstrate on Day 1.

#1 – I am industrious. 

This is beyond critical.  Will you have a good work ethic?  If you show up to work when you arrive at work; if you show up early on Day 1; if you get right to work, and keep your head down with every task you tackle, people will comment “he’s/she’s got a good work ethic.”  And work ethic really matters.  Think about it:  “he is a hard worker” is a lot better reputation to build than “he is a slacker.”

#2 – I am capable and competent. 

You demonstrate that you know things.  That you know how to do things.  That you are a quick learner, but even as you are learning the ropes, you show up with plenty of skills to begin with.

#3 – I am teachable. 

Here’s the thing.  No matter how capable you are, in any new job, you have stuff to learn.  You are “capable, skilled,” but in so many ways you are ignorant.  Ignorance has nothing to do with smarts.  Ignorance is simply “I haven’t learned that, I haven’t learned how to do that, yet.”  So, you don’t fake it.  You aren’t too good to ask for help.  And you are willing to ask for help, to learn from anyone and everyone.  Though there are times when it is a good idea to “fake it until you make it,” (or, as Amy Cuddy puts it, “fake it until you become it”), generally it is better to say, “I need some help here – can you help me?.”  Accept the help.  And, always demonstrate the attitude of “I am teachable.”

#4 – I am respectful.

Now, this one speaks to that temptation to think that “the world begins anew at this place on the day I arrive.”  You know, the arrogant notion of “I am the best thing that ever happened here.”

This is such a delicate line to walk.  You have to be self-confident, believing that you do bring new skills, new energy to the team.  But, you must respect what has already been accomplished, and respect the people who make things succeed.  Honor the current folks.  And honor the folks who came before.

A preacher friend moved to a new congregation recently.  It is an “old” church, with a rich history.  He is young, energetic, impressive.  I suggested this:  in some of your sermons, weave in quotes from past preachers.  There is a rich history of preaching in this church, and some of those past preachers had great things to say.  Find a way to quote them, with appreciation and respect – and let it seem natural, as it genuinely reflects that you are learning from those who came before you.  As you do this, you honor the people who loved those prior preachers – and they will be more ready to accept your leadership..  And as you honor the ones who shaped the church in the past,  you help everyone move forward, building on a solid foundation.

Respect those who came before you.  That is the attitude you need to demonstrate.

#5 – I am a team player.

In a world filled with individuals, focused on themselves – you know, “every man for himself” kind of thinking – a team player is especially valuable.  So, plug in, get to know your team, figure out the best way to fulfill your roles on the team.

In this collaborating, connected world, you must be a very good team player.

#6 – I come hassle free.

This is big!  Think about it.  Nearly every one at work is either a hassle creator or a hassle remover.  Guess which one is better liked, and more valuable to the morale of the team (not to mention the capability of the team).

Much of work is the work of removing hassles.  Sometimes, those hassles are caused by fellow workers.  Never add to anyone’s hassle load!  They have enough hassles of their own.

Don’t create hassles – for anyone!

#7 – I am attentive.

This is a cousin to work ethic.  The most valuable employees have a personal system of “this is what I need to get done, by this time — and I do get it done by this time.”

Start with this – never trust your memory.  Even with your laptop and your Outlook and your iPad, always carry around some 3×5 cards.  When someone tells you something important — (hint:  almost everything they tell you is important) — write it down.  Write everything down that you have to do.  Then, transfer it into your electronic system.  Try to never ask this question of anyone at work:  “Could you tell me again what it was you needed me to do?”  Once they tell you, get it down, then get it done.

Pay very close attention – especially to what others say, and especially to what you’ve got to get done.

This list is simply a start.  There are certainly other attitudes to demonstrate – equally important.  Like:  “I am trustworthy; I am a self-starter; I am a self-learner, a life-long learner; I go out of my way to develop new skills.”  The list is kind of endless.

Think of it this way.  You want to be good enough, you want to bring the right “chemistry,” you want to work hard enough that they won’t cut you from the team.  You want to make the starting line-up.  Work every day, with the right attitude(s), to make them want to keep you on the job.

And, now, for that last paragraph I promised.  This is a pretty good list not just for Day 1, but also for Day 100, or Day 1000.  In other words, it is never a mistake to show up demonstrating these attitudes.  In fact, take a look at the list – are you demonstrating the “wrong attitude” on any of these?  Then correct it – today.