Whatever the task, attitude is everything

  • Published
  • By Maj. Joe Engelbrecht
  • Defense Force Commander
ALI BASE, Iraq (AFPN) --  How do you view difficult situations? 

If you sit back and think about it, there is always at least three ways to look at almost any difficulty: as a problem, a challenge or an opportunity. 

The first reaction of many people is to immediately label any difficulty as a problem, often times creating an overwhelming situation. The same situation could be viewed as a challenge to be overcome, or even better yet, an opportunity to learn, grow and improve a process for the future. 

I often ask my leaders to, at a minimum, approach any task as a challenge that can be overcome. 

Less experienced Airmen may have a natural tendency to view many tasks, events or situations as problems. These Airmen look to their leaders not only for know-how but also for the proper attitude. If the person leading approaches difficulties with a view toward challenges to be met and overcome, or as an opportunity to learn and improve, stress and anxiety will be eliminated and everybody involved will grow. When individuals grow the unit and mission also improve. 

The best leaders will always strive to look at every situation as an opportunity. It may be an opportunity to improve the capabilities of the individual, team or unit. Some call it “life experience,” some call it tools for your toolbox, but in all cases, your attitude will affect your approach and impact the end result. 

For example, let’s say your supervisor has asked you teach someone from outside your unit about your duties and responsibilities. You could a) Choose to look at the task as a problem, an additional burden to your already busy schedule; b) As a challenge, a task that will have to be balanced with your other duties, but something that you are prepared to accomplish (you were likely chosen because you are a good representative and spokesperson for your unit and mission); or c) My challenge to you, which is that you’d approach this and everything outside of your routine as an opportunity. 

The same task, which some see as a problem, could very well be an opportunity to forge mutually beneficial relationships, to learn about other aspects of the mission, and to have others better understand and appreciate what you do. That problem or challenge is an opportunity to better yourself and strengthen the team. 

Every Airman is important, but this organization is all about the team. Your teammates are counting on you, just as you count on them. Members of a team feed off each other. Your attitude, either positive or negative will affect the team.

 You will always be faced with difficult situations, especially here in the combat zone. Some events will be beyond your control, but you are the only thing controlling your attitude.

Attitude is everything. Attitude is infectious.