We spend a lot of time talking to our kids about their attitudes. A big part of developing leadership skills is learning how to manage your attitude. This is not a skill that we are born with but it is something that you can learn over time. It’s important to learn early on how to control your attitude because it is something that impacts how people perceive you as well as how you interact with the world around you. 

When we induct new members into our Honor Society we have them recite an oath about attitude. It discusses the impact one’s attitude has on his everyday life. It goes on to mention that there are a lot of things in our life that we cannot change, the past, the future, how other people act, etc. But we have complete agency and the ability to change our own attitudes. The speech ends by saying, “I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you...we are in charge of our attitudes.” 

I think that speech is really impactful for a lot of reasons. It reminds us that while life can throw a lot of unforeseen things at us that we are not in control of, we can always control how we react to things. As leaders, managing your attitude is vital. Others will look to you in times of crisis or conflict to gauge your reaction. It is important that you can show strength and level-headedness in trying times. 

Similarly, in everyday life as a leader, you will be expected to maintain a positive, uplifting attitude. Those who work with you will respect you more if you make them feel supported. As a boss, your attitude sets the tone for the rest of the company. If you are negative and emotional all the time, your employees will follow suit. As a leader, attitude is a superpower. The more work you put in to learn how to control your attitude, the stronger this power will be. When used correctly, attitude can change everything around you for the better. If you are not familiar with the aforementioned attitude speech by Chuck Swindoll, I encourage you to read it and apply it to your life. Start living by that philosophy today. Be in charge of your attitude.

- Bria