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Adopting Positive and Productive Attitudes 65

Phase 1

The objective of this phase is to compile a list of attitudes that

reflect the values of everyone in your department. The two atti-
tudes heading your list should be respectfulness and trustworthi-
ness, which are the foundations of any meaningful relationship,
be it personal or professional.
First you will need to bring your department together, whether
in a conference room, on a conference call, or through a Net meet-
ing. Before the meeting, tell your employees that, in the interest of
creating a fertile departmental culture that promotes employees’
personal development and productivity, you are planning to initi-
ate a positive attitude adoption program. You will probably need to

define what an attitude is and then inform your department mem-
bers that the two attitudes that will head your list are respectful-
ness and trustworthiness. Ask them to bring to the meeting a list of
attitudes that they would like the department to adopt. During the
meeting, discuss the attitudes presented by your staff, and agree on
a fi nal list.

Phase 2

In a follow-up meeting, for every attitude that you believe should
be adopted, agree on how it could be converted into actions. Here
is a composite list of “respectful” behaviors that were arrived at
by several of our clients:

• Listen attentively without interruption and make an effort
to understand what is being said.
• Express gratitude when appropriate.
• Find value in any criticism you receive.
• Be polite.