Is Your Glass Half Empty or Half Full?

I have five children. They are all different. Two in particular are at opposite ends of the attitude spectrum. My “Half Full” child invariably deals with life’s curve balls with an optimistic point of view. My “Half Empty” child enviably assumes the worst is going to happen.

Over the years, I have learned that it is not what happens to a person that determines success or failure, but rather how a person deals with situations. The following cartoon illustrates how an outside force (in this case, the US Government) can impose a condition (such as a border fence) that is beyond any particular individual’s control. A “glass half empty” person might complain how the fence will inhibit business and how life is unfair. But a “glass half full” person would behave like Raul in the cartoon . . . make lemonade out of lemons.

Is your glass half empty or half full?

If you are considering becoming an entrepreneur and operating your own business, rarely will a day will go by without a curve ball being thrown your way.

Years ago, when I was launching one of my first businesses, a “key” employee abruptly quit. The departure was totally unexpected and very disruptive. I was upset, but instead of moping, I immediately began to search for a replacement. Wonder of wonders, the new hire was twice as good as the guy who quit. I realized the so-called “key” employee had been a crutch. Leaning on him was the path of least resistance, but also the path of least efficiency, since my new employee could get the job done much better and faster.

During my later career as a franchise owner, I observed franchisees become similarly devastated when key employees moved on to other opportunities. I noticed that the time these franchisees spent fretting over their “losses” usually just created further set-backs, as their negative moods spread to the rest of their employees. It is a true statement that an entrepreneur is like alike a meteorologist: A boss’ attitude can affect the “climate” of an entire office.

If you were the “boss,” how would you handle each of the following situations? What effect would your reaction have on the rest of your team?

You are informed that a new customer needs a huge proposal in only three days.
A new ERP system is being installed and your team must learn a completely new software platform.
You have a new supervisor, and in the first meeting, he rubs you the wrong way.

Will your attitude be “half empty” or “half full?” Your answer will largely determine your success as an entrepreneur.