Creating the "Can Do" Attitude In Your Workplace

The "Can Do" attitude can do wonders for your business and its bottom line. Human Resource managers are generally stumped about how to create an atmosphere that encourages performance. The complex nature of motivation is based upon many different factors some of which are the way in which think about the purpose of their actions, the resources needed to act on goals and how they view themselves in relation to others.

Purpose is important because without purpose there is no reason to act. If a goal has a purpose and has value to the people within an organization they are more likely to take positive actions toward that goal but also sustain necessary actions over a longer period time. When goals don't have a deep purpose they are often discarded quickly.

It is also important for a person to have resources to act on achieving a goal. If someone doesn't have the education, motivation, ability, or other resources to act they will likely not act. Each person makes an evaluation of alternatives and decides that acting is something they want to do and can do.

The "Can Do" attitude is social by nature. Self-efficacy and self-esteem are internalized social constructions. How we view ourselves is based on how other people interact with us and the cues they give us. Leadership and followership dynamics are based on how people view themselves within their social networks. Those who believe in themselves also believe in their ability to get things done.

Human Resource professionals and managers should create a purpose, ensure the necessary resources, and foster the belief they can get things done. The "Can Do" attitude is largely individualized but based upon the cues and resources of the organization. Positive attitudes are culturally based and organization leaders should do what they can to create the right environment.