When I graduated from college, my dad gave me a rock with the phrase “Attitude is Everything” carved into it. That little rock has sat on every desk I’ve had since then, and it’s been my reminder to keep a positive outlook no matter what life or work throws my way. Over the years, it’s become more than just a saying — it’s been my guiding mantra, especially in my marketing career.
Marketing is fast-paced and deadline-driven, with a mix of personalities that have to work together to achieve one thing: results. As anyone in account management can tell you, clients can sometimes be…well, challenging. Maybe they request a ton of revisions, then change those revisions again, sometimes making things more complicated than they need to be. It can get frustrating, especially when the due date is looming.
But here’s where attitude comes in.
Negative vs. Positive Attitude: The Choice You Make
Let’s break it down: You’ve got a client pushing for changes that might mess with the strategy or the integrity of the ad. You can either let that frustration take over or choose a more positive approach.
The Negative Path:
- You complain to your team about the client.
- You fire off a frustrated email, listing all the reasons the changes shouldn’t be made.
- You tell the creative team to just do what the client asked, no questions asked.
The Positive Path:
- You stay patient and positive about the client’s feedback.
- You talk with the creative team (not just sending an email!) and, while acknowledging the frustration, encourage them to find a solution that satisfies the client while keeping the ad on track.
- You thank the client for their feedback, then gently recommend a different approach, explaining why it will work better.
At the end of the day, keeping a positive attitude in these situations is key. It helps with communication, keeps relationships strong, boosts productivity, and honestly, makes you feel better.
Why Attitude Matters: More Than Just Work
Studies show that maintaining a positive outlook can lead to some pretty impressive benefits:
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduced stress
- Better mood
- Boosted self-esteem
So, next time a client or project has you feeling stressed, remember take a deep breath, reset with a positive attitude, and handle it with grace. You’ll be amazed at how much smoother things go when you approach challenges with a clear, constructive mindset.
Your Turn: How Has Attitude Affected Your Work?
We all know that how we approach things can totally change the outcome. I’d love to hear about a time when your attitude — whether positive or negative — made a difference in your project. Let’s share and learn from each other’s experiences!