Fostering a Positive Attitude in the MH Workplace

by Heather Vela

Multiple benefits include increased sales!

Negativity seems to follow us like a shadow, but it doesn't have to. Below, I'll show you how to have a positive attitude in the workplace and some of the benefits of it.

With the economy stalling, and the housing industry along with it, I've noticed a sharp increase in negativity. All too often I hear people complaining about their job. Unfortunately, the complaining doesn't fix their problem and in fact, can often times make it worse. Their negativity can easily spread and cause damage to your work environment. The solution to combating a negative attitude is to create a positive attitude in yourself and your workplace. People may not think this is possible, but they're just being negative and further perpetuating the problem.

The first step in creating a positive attitude may seem like an obvious one. You need to focus on the positives. People often dwell on what's wrong such as not having enough resources to complete a project or having a deadline moved up. Pointing out what actually works – such as the last goal that was reached or increased productivity – is a better approach to forming a positive attitude and increasing morale. Focusing on the positives is also important for personally having a positive attitude. One of the best pieces of advice I've received from an associate who's also in the manufactured housing industry regarding this is not to bring your personal problems to work. When you bring your personal problems to work, it only furthers the negativity. Nobody likes a complainer, anyway.

Taking a proactive approach to your job is also an excellent way to promote a positive attitude. Sitting and waiting for something good to come your way won't help. You have to seek out the opportunity. One great way this can be accomplished is to take the initiative and do the most difficult task first. This shows your coworkers that you're not afraid to get your hands dirty and it can lead to a boost in morale once they've seen that hard work can pay off. Once the difficult task is out of the way, it's smooth sailing. Another way to be proactive is to volunteer. This can be anything from assisting a coworker with a project to having a few coworkers volunteer at a soup kitchen. It not only makes you feel good, but it also demonstrates teamwork and helps to build relationships. Additionally, your coworkers will be more appreciative of you and more willing to assist you when you need it. This brings me to a final way to foster a positive attitude in the workplace.

One of the best ways to create a positive attitude is to be appreciative of your coworkers. Thanking somebody for a job well done definitely makes them feel good and should make you feel good, too. When everyone feels good, a positive attitude comes naturally. Aside from thanking your coworkers, you can also acknowledge how well somebody has done a task. This could be in the form of an Employee of the Month plaque or even a gift card. When somebody is publicly acknowledged for their achievements, it makes them more likely to want to continue to do a wonderful job. Finally, you can show your appreciation for your coworkers by celebrating important events like birthdays, promotions, or life changes. It makes you feel good to know that your coworkers care about you; you're more likely to want to chip in when you feel good, too.

Now that I've discussed some ways to foster a positive attitude in the workplace, I'd like to quickly touch on the benefits:

1. One benefit that I've already mentioned is a boost in morale. Another benefit is improving customer relations and sales. This happens because customers like dealing with positive people and are more likely to make purchases from people that believe in their product. In our industry, the product typically refers to factory built or modular homes.
2. An additional benefit for having a positive attitude in the workplace is stress reduction. Look at a stressful situation as a challenge that you and the company can benefit from.
3. A benefit that ties into stress reduction is teamwork building. When everyone has a positive attitude, they're more likely to work together to accomplish projects and to get along.
4. Another benefit that ties into stress reduction is improving decision making. Focusing on the positive allows you to see a problem as a challenge rather than an obstacle and this will allow you to make more clear decisions.
5. A final benefit to having a positive attitude is an obvious one and one that I've mentioned before and that is an improvement in interpersonal relations. When you have a positive attitude, others will be drawn to you and will be more likely to follow in your footsteps.

A positive attitude in the workplace can seem like a daunting task. If you follow the tips I've suggested, you should have no problem. Remember that a positive attitude is infectious. Keeping positive will create a more relaxing atmosphere for you. You're more likely to succeed and achieve your goals with a positive attitude, too. Finally a positive attitude in the work place will not only improve your job but also your home life. Please share these tips with your coworkers and friends and let them know that a positive attitude can make a difference in an otherwise negative world. ##

Heather Vela is an administrative assistant for Capital First Realty at their Sunset Village office. Chicago- based Capital First Realty owns and operates Manufactured Housing Communities in the upper Midwest. Vela is a graduate of Purdue University, with a BA in psychology and a minor in sociology. Heather spent two years assisting with the Purdue literary magazine. After graduation she worked as an administrative assistant in companies throughout Illinois, with additional experience in customer service in Florida. Vela eventually returned to Illinois to work as an administrative assistant for the Sunset Village manufactured housing community she grew up in.