It's All About the Attitude

Today, one my co-workers was given a beat down about something that was not her fault nor under her control. I felt bad. The whole division felt bad. We all felt bad for her. So our chief pulled the whole division together to give her a big shout out, a pat on the back and a thank you for a job well done (a job that was not in her actual job description). This woman tackles everything given to her without complaint, back talk, attitude, mood swings, or general bad attitude. I know she does this because she is a Christ-follower. Her attitude never waivers from the affirmative because her heart is focused on Christ. We can all learn so much from this woman. In 28 plus years of working with the public, I have seen some really nasty, evil, hateful people. Working in the public sector is tough. Tougher than working in the private sector, because tax-payers are quick to tell you who you really work for -- THEM.

Therefore, as public sector employees, under severe budget restrictions, no new people and less money to try and do more, we need to support and show loyalty to our colleagues and co-workers. We are all under duress. We are all tired. We all know that our jobs are at stake and we need help. We do not need the scorn of our colleagues. Nor do we need to see or experience the bad attitude of our co-workers. We need to celebrate the successes of each other -- big or small. Each and everyday we have something to celebrate. A job well done should be celebrated. A clean audit, a successful special event, a fundraising goal met, a public relations tactic that worked, a great news story in the local paper, a successful interview with a reporter -- these are all successes. We need to take time to pat each other back. Forget your individual hurt, pain, disappointment and celebrate the accomplishments of a colleague or co-worker. Step up and lend a hand where you can.

We are all in this together. We are all on a journey and we have a higher power to answer to than just the department head or boss. Follow this advice and you will have a happier work life.