
A faint but discernable dividing line separates achievers from dreamers. At
first glance this line may be difficult to distinguish. You may be tricked
into believing that talents, titles, or resources draw the line between the
doers and dreamers. However, if you spent a significant length of time with
a group of leaders, the line splitting the achievers from the dreamers would
become crystal clear.
What makes the difference? Attitude. Achievers have a can-do attitude
that sets them apart from mere dreamers. Achievers are sold out to
success—no matter the obstacles—and they are willing to put forth the effort
and pay the price of success.
In my days observing leaders, I have identified four main groups.
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Cop-outs
These people set no goals and make no decisions.
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Holdouts
These people have beautiful dreams, but they are afraid to respond to
challenges because they lack the self-confidence to overcome difficulties.
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Dropouts
These individuals clearly define their goals, and, in the beginning, they
work hard to make their dreams come true. However, when the going gets
tough, they quit.
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All-Outs
These are the stars. They want to shine out as an inspiration to others.
Once all-outs have set their goals, they never quit. Even when the price
gets high and the challenges mount, they’re dedicated. Their can-do
attitudes carry them to greatness.
Here are 10 keys to cultivating a can-do attitude.
Key #1: Disown Your Helplessness
Can-do people aggressively pursue solutions, and, in the process, uncover
creative solutions others never even try to find. Can-do leaders take
responsibility for the future, whereas lesser leaders blame circumstances or
other people when facing roadblocks. Rather than wallowing in helplessness,
can-do leaders search diligently to overcome the obstacles in front of them.
Key #2: Take the Bull By the Horns.
Can-do people are fearless. They go straight to the source of their
solution. Their very effort commands attention as they wrestle a problem to
the ground with expediency. I have discovered that people with a can-do
attitude have an aggressiveness about them. They take the bull by the horns.
When they enter into the arena of action, they don’t wait, they initiate.
Key #3: Enter the No Whining Zone.
Can-do people abstain from complaining. They recognize its futility and
guard their minds and mouths against indulging in this time-wasting
activity. As George Washington Carver observed, “Ninety-nine percent of
failures come from people who have a habit of making excuses.”
Key #4: Put On Another’s Pair of Shoes.
Can-do people empathize with others. They attempt to see any predicament
from the other person’s perspective in order to make the best decisions. In
my book Winning with People, one the 25 People Principles is the Exchange
Principle, which says that instead of putting others in their place, we must
put ourselves in their place.
Leaders see the world from their perspective and others’ perspectives.
They use their own perspective to give direction, and they use others’
perspectives to forge relational connection. Both direction and connection
are indispensable to taking the team on a successful journey.
Key #5: Nurture Your Passion.
Can-do people are immune to burnout. They love what they do because they’ve
learned how to fuel the fire that keeps them moving. In leadership, the
prize is not given to the person who’s the smartest, nor to the person with
the advantages in resources and position, but the prize goes to the person
with passion.
Key #6: Walk the Second Mile.
Can-do people exceed expectations. While others settle for an acceptable
solution, they aren’t satisfied until they have achieved the unimagined.
They set expectations for themselves higher than what is dictated by the
people or situations around them.
Key #7: Quit Stewing and Start Doing.
Can-do people take action. While others are crippled by worry, fear, and
anxiety, they have the fortitude to press forward. The perfect moment when
all is safe and assured may never arrive, so why wait for it? Can-do leaders
take risks.
Key #8: Go With the Flow.
Can-do people can adjust to change. They don’t get caught griping about an
unexpected curve in the road. They accept transition with an optimistic
outlook. They realize it’s less important what happens TO them, than it is
what happens IN them.
Key #9: Follow Through to the End.
Can-do people not only initiate, they finish. They are self-starters with
the capacity to close the deal.
Key #10: Expect a Return as a Result of Your Commitment.
If you make an all out commitment with a can-do attitude, expect a return.
Passionate commitment is contagious, and resources follow resolve. Committed
leaders will reap rewards and find open doors as others are drawn to the
excitement and energy emanating from them.