Unit 4 | Attitude Video
Transcript:
Attitude
SONNY (reaching over and hitting alarm—clearly not thrilled about the prospect of going to work): Not again.
Arrives at work late. Passing COLLEAGUE 1 as he comes through the door.
COLLEAGUE 1: You're twenty minutes late...
SONNY: Pfff, ask me if I care...
SUPERVISOR approaches SONNY at his desk. SONNY is playing a game on his phone, feet up, clearly not working.
SUPERVISOR: Hey, Sonny... You busy?
SONNY (Turns to SUPERVISOR and quickly puts his phone away): Oh. Mr. Andersen. I'm swamped actually.
SUPERVISOR (concerned—holding out file folders): Oh. Because I was hoping you could take some time to look over these reports.
SONNY (mocking disappointment): Yeah...I'm not going to be able to get to that today. Or even tomorrow. You should go ahead and ask Wendy for that.
SUPERVISOR (annoyed and confused): Okay.
Cut to lunch room interior. SONNY is eating. COLLEAGUE 2 enters, clearly frazzled.
COLLEAGUE 2: Hey, Sonny. Listen, I've got an emergency. I've got Mrs. Fields sitting outside my office and she really needs someone to talk to her about her account, but I've got this meeting to go to, I thought because you knew her...
SONNY (through a mouthful): Lunch break.
COLLEAGUE 2: I know, but it would only take ten minutes and it would really help me out.
SONNY (still eating, clearly not interested in helping): Hey, that's your problem. Not mine.
COLLEAGUE 2 sighs in frustration and leaves.
Cut back to SONNY sitting at desk, checking e-mail.
COLLEAGUE 3 (voice over—as if reading the e-mail): Sonny—attached are the invoices I promised you. Sorry they are a little late. Let me know if there is anything else I can do! Yeah, Wendy.
SONNY (typing and talking as he types): Here's something you can do: Get your work done on time for a change!
COLLEAGUE 1 and 4 (passing by Sonny’s desk): Hey Sonny. How's it going?
SONNY rolls his eyes and scowls.
COLLEAGUE 4 (whispering to COLLEAGUE 1): Pfff. Would it hurt that guy to smile once in a while? (COLLEAGUE 1 nods in agreement)
VO: Attitude...it’s how you think and feel about something and how those thoughts and feelings are reflected in your behaviors. Your attitude, whether positive or negative, will have a tremendous impact on your success in life—especially in your career.
It may seem obvious that a positive attitude leads to positive outcomes, but staying upbeat and energetic at work isn't always easy. That's precisely why it is often those individuals who approach their work with the right attitude stand out from the crowd.
EMPLOYER: A positive attitude is crucial to on-the-job success. Not just when dealing with customers, but with establishing a healthy work environment. The employees that seem to be the most successful, that move up the fastest and get the most done, are the ones who come in confident and energized and who share that energy with others. It's not something you can pick out of a résumé, but it is something that employers take note of right from the start.
VO: Researchers have long touted the power of positive thinking, finding that it can lead to reduced stress, increased productivity, and greater personal well-being. People who maintain a positive attitude are able to overcome obstacles more easily, accomplishing feats that they couldn't otherwise. But how does this translate to the world of work?
Having the right attitude means having a strong work ethic. That includes coming to work on time energized and enthusiastic, or even arriving early or staying late to finish the job. It involves setting goals for yourself and working to meet them. It often means going above and beyond your assigned duties, volunteering to help others whenever your skills might come in handy.
Having a positive attitude also means working well with others, fostering teamwork among coworkers. That includes encouraging colleagues to do their best and acknowledging the contributions they make.
Finally, workers with the right attitude act with honesty and integrity, doing what's right, even if it's difficult.
SUPERVISORS: Hey, Wendy. You got a moment?
COLLEAGUE 1: Absolutely. Is there something you need?
SUPERVISORS: Well actually, I could use another set of eyes on these reports. Do you think you might have some time today to look over them?
COLLEAGUE 1 (upbeat): I should be able to squeeze them in. Can I get them to you later this afternoon?
SUPERVISORS: Thank you, you are a lifesaver, Wendy.
EXPERT/EMPLOYER: I think positive energy can be contagious. We have several individuals who come to work with the right attitude and you can see it rubbing off. They are able to inspire and motivate others, which creates a healthy team dynamic. Yes, there are some people who don't appreciate it, but most people admire those who are willing to step up and take the lead.
VO: Perhaps the easiest way to showcase the right attitude is with a smile. Let's face it: Nobody is expected to be happy at work all the time, but a smile will help you maintain a healthy working relationship with those around you. It will encourage others to respond to you positively as well.
SUPERVISOR: For her willingness to help out wherever she's needed and for her ability to inspire others, I am proud to announce that Wendy has been promoted to head of sales.
Cut to SONNY’s face, dumbstruck. Everyone else congratulates COLLEAGUE 1.
SUPERVISOR: And on a related note—Sonny...I need to see you in my office...
VO: Of course it is easier to have a positive outlook—to be productive and to help your coworkers—if you enjoy the work that you do. That means choosing a career that is a good fit for you—one that takes advantage of your natural talents and that you find challenging and rewarding. If you find the job that's right for you, you will have an easier time succeeding at it precisely because you will approach it with the right attitude. Just remember that each job is a valuable learning experience, a stepping stone on the path to a long and rewarding career. Treat each work experience as an opportunity for growth—and don't forget to smile.
Take a moment and consider the following. What impact does your attitude have on your performance at work, at school, or in your extracurricular activities? How do you maintain a positive attitude in the face of difficult obstacles? Do you think a positive attitude is contagious? Do you prefer the company of people who are positive?