Attitude - Wow! How important is that? Swindoll is so helpful in how we respond to what is around us. It is what is in us, not around us that matters. I learned years ago from Warren Wiersbe that the book of Philippians tells us that "people, places, and things" cannot rob us of the joy of llving. Our attitude assists us every day as we face the issues life throws at us. The only way to face those issues is with right thinking, which is one of the most important things TEAM helps us learn. Thanks again for your leadership and for reminding us of how we should respond to things that happen in life.

God bless,

Edward

Edward, I love the quote, "Attitude is everything, but it is the difference maker!" Keep learning and leading. thanks, Orrin

Orrin,

Over the past couple of years in studying different leaders and observing certain characteristics I have discovered the characteristic that seperates the ordinary and extraordinary person is not necissarily a certian skill set, but mostly attitude. It is as simple as how one sees something. Often times it is not what happens to someone that makes the difference as much as what happens in them that counts! For example: take for instance your Tri-Latteral Leadership Ledger. The components of Character, Tasks, and Relationships you and Chris have laid out does not take a specific skill as much as it takes a specific intent or attitude. Too many people have utilized the cop out of "I am not a people person" as a reason for not developing healthy win-win relationships in their lives. Sometimes I have had people say to me at the company I work for that "of course it is easy for you to devlop realtionships. You are a people person". I do not believe anyone is born with a "people person" skill set. I believe it is developed with a specific intent to get better at developing a "people first" mindset! Let me prove that statement: People are interested in people that are interested in them! When a "people first attitude person" comes into a room they are other people oriented. They put other people's agenda ahead of their own. That is a decision that is concerned with attitude not skill, therefore it can be learned through practice.

Ordinary people vs. Extraordinary people: The Difference is not skill, the difference is attitude!

When you hear the word ordinary—in reference to a person, a restaurant, an athlete, an actor, or anything else—what comes to mind? You automatically think of words such as average, plain, common, and ever day. You're probably not thinking in specifics—ordinary people and places simply aren't that memorable. Now switch mental gears and ponder what you think of when you hear the word extraordinary. Are words such as amazing, outstanding, brilliant, and exceptional coming to mind? I expect so. You might even be thinking of a particular individual who fits this description—an incredible football player, a captivating public speaker, a Nobel Prize-winning poet, or a best selling author.

After comparing these two categories it might lead you to believe that if you're an ordinary person with an ordinary job, you have no hope of ever achieving success or doing something that really makes a difference. This is a commonly held belief that is not true. Can I tell you something: Extraordinary people do the common things uncommonly well.

Leadership expert and best-selling author John C. Maxwell stated “what makes the difference between ordinary and extraordinary people are five little letters that make up the word extra.” Zig Ziglar stated: “The best part about traveling the extra mile is there is no traffic jam.”

For Example - Attitude is something we all have in common whether it is good or bad. A good attitude compounded over time works for us. A bad attitude compounded over time works against us. The commonality between ordinary and extraordinary individuals is they each make the choice of how their attitude affects their life!

Ordinary vs. Extraordinary: (Attitude)

Ordinary People Extraordinary People

1. Do, Learn, Define 1. Define, Learn, Do
2. Can’t decide what they want to do in life 2. Prioritizes their life according to what they want
3. I am who I am 3. I can learn to become what I need to become
4. I earn a living 4. I make a life
5. Accept their life 5. Lead their life
6. Accept excuses for not becoming more 6. Accepts and learns from failure
7. Know it all 7. Knows leaders are learners
8. Destination Oriented 8. Process Oriented
9. Instant Gratification 9. Delayed Gratification
10. Self Serving 10. Serving

In this comparison chart I describe the 10 different characteristics in attitude between an Ordinary and Extraordinary Person. You have probably noticed after this simple comparison that none of these different characteristics have anything to do with skill. They have everything to do with effort!

Let me point out that if the “ordinary” column best describes you, it does not condemn or make you a bad person! I read a quote one time when I was first beginning my leadership walk that really helped me: “Though you cannot make a new beginning my friend, anyone can start now and make a brand new end.” Your past should only be used as a teacher to learn from. Whether it is good or filled with regrets, it does not dictate what you can become!

Thanks for allowing me to share my thoughts Orrin!

Matt

Matt, These are phenomenal additions to the discussion! thank you for sharing. Thanks, Orrin

I have to contribute that I was reminded of how important a good attitude is when facing struggles by a 20 something man I met at a men's leadership seminar in Michigan Friday night. After a bit of small talk, he began talking to me about the unemployment rate in the state and how jobs were very scarce. He went on that families are just packing up and leaving, forcing the local governments to hire crews to drain swimming pools. The picture got less pleasant when he said there are some developments where every second house or so is boarded up. The picture he painted didn’t make living in the Michigan look pleasing at all.

What was amazing came a few minutes later in the conversation when he shared his thoughts on the situation. This guy told me he see a bright future for Michigan. He sees Michigan having a ripe climate for a company or whole industry to come in and start building again. He went on to explain the many reasons why a company or industry would want to invest their time and money in the state. The reasons why and all facts were not as important as the young guy could experience the decline that is happening yet be able to see the bright future that was ahead of him. He wasn’t like those families that threw in the towel and moved away. He was in for the long haul. He had the twinkle in his eye that said he was planting his seeds and preparing his fields because he knew eventually the rains would come again.

I am not a betting man but I would lay odds on the fact that this young man gets his input from some very positive sources.

Enthusiastically,
John

John, That is a great story! There is always opportunity if you are looking. Sometimes in a downturn there is more. Less are in the race so there is more for the people who are. Appreciate the thoughts. Keep growing. Thanks, Orrin

Orrin, Thanks for reminding us how attitude is extremely important. As a leader, no matter how good or bad things become, I must maintain a consistent high level of positive performance and attitude. A leader can not be going to extreme highs and extreme lows and changing like the weather... for that is someone hard to follow. During these days and everyday, we must be a light house for our teams. As John Maxwell says, "A poor self esteem and a poor attitude often go hand in hand. It's hard to see anything in the world positive if you see yourself negative." Once again this is where the TEAM's system has impacted me. When I have struggled, especially in the last months, reading and pushing play has been my difference maker. The other thing that has been my attitude check has been my faith. For me to realize that the cause that we have been chosen by God to be a part of allows me to understand why sometimes you feel alone. Seeing the big picture also helps to keep my attitude in check. As you said this past weekend, "if you have no critics you must not be doing much." (that's my paraphrase of what you said) Thank you, Orrin, for being a difference maker to many. Pressing On, Dave

Dave, You have great mentors to work with and an incredible training system to develop with. The Bible gives us our absolute values and look out! Who knows what God has in store for us. I am very excited to see His plan unfold! I am very proud of you. Keep growing. thanks, Orrin

Orrin: Do you have ESP? You seem to have a genuine knack for striking a chord lately that applies to me over and over! I have experienced some challenges at work lately that are stretching what i've learned in this business over the past two years....I struggle with keeping a good positive attitude, to leave work at work and to continue to be an encourager - to people at work, to people on my team, to my family and my friends. It seems when we are pushed the most, when we really are stretching and don't think we can stretch any more, I find that at that time if I reach a little further, push a little harder, I can accomplish the task, I can keep going, I can get stronger.

Two or three years ago, even months ago, I would have been more distracted and more negatively impacted when life gets overwhelming, or I get frustrated, but what I've learned through the CD's I listen to and the books that I've read, and the impact of my mentors in this business, is exactly what you have said - every day we have a choice - "will I face life with a positive attitude? do I make the room brighter when I enter it or when I exit it?" I continually stretch myself and pray for guidance and patience to be more positive, to keep a good attitude even when everything doesn't go as planned - it doesn't mean you pretend a situation doesn't exist or doesn't need to be handled (even if it is difficult), it means adjusting how you handle it and what you reflect back to other people - am I setting aside my own personal setbacks and bringing light to someone else's life? Can I still encourage others and be a good finder even when I may not have success in all areas, etc.

Great thoughts that you shared. They helped me with my attitude today - and for that, I am grateful.

Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings! So much to learn - but eager to see what's next!

Take Care!

Ann

Ann, Not ESP, but I listen closely when I am with people to detect the pulse of a community. I feel best when I am serving others and you are serving others to overcome your own challenges. Right on track! Keep it up. thanks, Orrin

Attitude is everything, I just helped my six year old with a project to help the hungry and I believe that we can have a huge impact with our children when we show great attitude about charity and service. His blog site is, http://keithsfeedingthehungry.blogspot.com and our family blog site is http://thejlwhitingfamily.blogspot.com .
We love being a part of TEAM.
~ Natalie, AZ

Natalie, Great site! Keep teaching your children the value of serving others. It will make a huge impact in their lives. Very proud of you guys. thanks, Orrin