ap·ti·tude/ˈaptiˌt(y)o͞od/Noun

1. A natural ability to do something.

2. A natural tendency

at·ti·tude/ˈatiˌt(y)o͞od/Noun

1. A settled way of thinking or feeling, typically reflected in a person's behavior: "she took a tough attitude toward other people's indulgences".

2. A position of the body proper to or implying an action or mental state: "the boy was standing in an attitude of despair".

 

Two words, worlds apart, yet often seen very much together in employment branding and in personal branding. Aptitude having to do with your ability to accomplish the tasks asked of you and Attitude, the spirit in which you accomplish those tasks. Both can be assumed by an individual, however only one is monitored on a regular basis and can directly impact your ability to bring home the paycheque you deserve- do you know which one?

Look at the definitions, as the clues are right there! One word deals with an ability (which to a certain degree can be taught) and the other deals with an emotion or a mental state. Does that clear it up any?

Attitude is the $50,000 answer, Alex: and thank you for playing along. People seem to spend so much time on proving that they are better than anyone else that they fail to monitor the one thing that ensures continued employment or a positive vibe when people talk about you and your employer. As much as having the aptitude to do a job is important, I think many will agree that over time a good work ethic or job-skill education can be taught….a good attitude can’t! People seem to forget that. They feel that in todays society, what they know (from schooling or from life experience) is more important than how they convey the knowledge. How any one individual handles themselves under pressure often goes a long way to defining what sort of career they will establish. Personally, I would rather convey the knowledge with a level-head, and in a way that someone would want to thank me and look me up the next time they have questions in my field. If I blew my stack every time someone asked me a question, just because I am having a bad day (they don’t know that, or probably even care, as your problems only affect them for the brief instant they are talking with you), I would probably find myself minus a paycheque, and searching for a new means to solve the problems that placed me in the predicament to start with.

This brings me full circle to personal branding and creating a set of rules that are simple to remember and easy to work with. Any job you hold requires that you adhere to the rules of the employer, but if you look at yourself as a sub-contracted employee…(because you are really only at that place for the money) you begin to take a certain bit of professional pride in all your dealings with others, which makes teaching/learning the tasks needed to do the job easier. People will ask your opinion more if you have the right attitude, and you will receive more referrals by offering something that the others in your field can’t—Your well-researched opinion which could be the basis of an answer to their problem.

The better your attitude; the easier to see (and gain) the aptitude of the job; and the more in-demand you will be as “The Expert” in your particular field.

Win/Win..

Class Dismissed- Homework is to work on taking a positive attitude to every meeting; and take home anything you can learn from the other party (the aptitude)!

….Something to Think About

©2011 thedanieljsmith

Views: 223

Comment by Brian Larson on July 14, 2011 at 12:34pm

Attitude is Everything!

 

Comment by Daniel J Smith on July 14, 2011 at 3:14pm
Yes it is...It's something about each one of us that cannot be taught; yet it is something so crucial to our daily lives.
Comment by Tim Spagnola on July 14, 2011 at 3:41pm
I was taught at a young age from my Grandfather to 'act as if' - I had no real idea at the time what he meant by that, but years later I realized it was my first good lesson in attitude. So while I agree it can't be taught- I was fortunate enough at a young age to have someone turn on that light. Thanks for sharing this post Daniel.
Comment by Cherie Hill on July 14, 2011 at 4:49pm
When I'm working with my clients is really opens the talent pool if you select attitude and then aptitude.  If you are thinking about longevity of your new employee take your time to find the right person for your business rather than fixing a short-term road block.
Comment by Daniel J Smith on July 14, 2011 at 5:21pm
Tim, its good to learn the lesson early, as it lessens some of the bumps in the road, I too had someone at an early age instill that in me and I am thankful; Cherie- I completely agree, However with the right mentor/mentee relationship, almost anything is possible once the minds are in sync. Thank you both for your comments and taking the time out of your busy schedules to share with me and the community. Daniel
Comment by Arun Samuel on July 18, 2011 at 2:17am

Thanks Daniel! I really liked your approach and the way you went about explaining Attitude and Aptitude.

As a recruiter, my relationships with the candidates and customers is what matters to me most and attitude plays a vital role in driving my relationships. If it wasn't for my attitude and aptitude i probably wouldn't be doing what iam doing.

 

Comment by Daniel J Smith on July 18, 2011 at 6:50am
Thanks Arun, I think some people don't realize how important the attitude is until they start to slide (miss opportunities) and by then; a good portion of the client-base may be moving on. It's important to make the distinction and always strive to do our best....It's what the people depending on us want. Thank-you for taking the time out of your day to comment. daniel

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