If you job hunt (or go to work) expecting mortal combat, where the other guy must lose, you will fail. If you have a strong attitude that, “The company, my manager and I are going to win big,“ you will succeed. In job search mortal combat you must defeat the real enemy every time. You will lose every time if you fight your allies.
I exhort you also to take part in the great combat, which is the combat of life, and greater than every other earthly combat. (Plato)
Are companies idiots for not hiring you? Is every interviewer prejudiced? Let’s look at your job. Do you assume that your workplace is run by fools? Do you know more than your boss? Do you hang around the complainers and whiners at work? Are you the ringleader? Are people out to get you?
People really may be out to get you if you have a bad attitude. A hiring manager wants someone who will help and support him. Promotions come to people who help raise team spirits and achieve goals. Raises are given when a person is worth more than they are being paid. The manager interviewing you for a job will get a feeling how you treat your current boss. Your attitude will come through in the interview.
So how should you treat your current boss?
She should be your ally. In mortal combat, you help your allies.
Often you have to train your manager. She doesn’t have your perspective on problems. You need to constantly bring things to her attention that she may not know. You need to train her patiently, the way you would like to be trained.
Would you like to get pats on the back for the good things you do along with the occasional pointer on how to correct a mistake? Do the same with your boss. Positive reinforcement sets the stage for your negative comments to be heard. Take an attitude check today. Are you saying 5 positive things for every negative you voice? Keep track.
Are you job hunting?
Can the interviewer tell how you engage in destructive mortal combat? Is that why they are avoiding you? Do you treat your current manager as your best ally? If the right attitude shines through, they will hire you.
Business really is mortal combat. You have to plan on winning every time. Are you going to defeat stupidity with perfect logic and rapier sharp attacks? No, you will lose. Do you plan on patiently helping everyone learn, grow and win? Your victory is assured.
An attitude of constant improvement will win. Constant carping criticism loses every time.
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Something To Do Today
Keep a notepad with you. Make two columns. Put a check in one column for every positive thing you say. Put a check in the other column for every negative thing you say. Do the positives outstrip the negatives by 5 to 1?
Every Friday document your week at work in your job journal. What are your quantifiable achievements and failures? Make an upbeat report for your manager in a format she can use. Turn it in whether she asked for it or not.