Orchestrating Attitude: Getting the Best from Yourself and Others

Author Lee J. Colan's purpose is to provide a guideline for a positive attitude. This book is short, with the material beginning on page 9 and ending on page 58, and easy to read. I think it is easy to write extensively about having a positive attitude, but it may be more effective to focus on a positive attitude in reinforcing sound bites, which is Colan's approach. Central to the focus of the book is the three aspects of attitude, thoughts, words and actions. I tried to determine whether there was another aspect, but it seems that everything I do falls under these three, so Colan's approach to a positive attitude is comprehensive. Under each of the aspects Colan provides approaches that convey a positive attitude, including a few specific examples in each case. The examples are certainly important, but even more important is the realization of the difference between a positive attitude and a negative attitude. I also think it is easy to fall into a negative attitude because so many people use the negative approaches discussed by Colan rather than the positive approaches. Being a Polyanna in business is an inappropriate extreme; we need to keep a measure of realism. However, we should expect ourselves to have a positive attitude, seeking what is possible rather than admitting defeat before we have started. One of my favorite quotes from Star Wars, used by Colan in his book, is by Yoda: "Do or do not. There is no try." Similarly, with a positive attitude there is either having a can-do attitude or having an attitude that is negative. Historically people who have focused on the possible have achieved greater success than those who thought something was too hard or unlikely to succeed. Knowing that today's business world abounds with successes in the face of the naysayers (FedEx and Microsoft immediately come to mind), if you find it difficult to wrap your mind around a positive attitude, pick up this book and give it a quick read. You will be glad you did!

Lee Colan's book made me stop and think how many times I could have said something a different way and had a much favorable out come. This book has inspired me to work on the positive and to respond with "responsibility". I love the quotes and highly recommend this book.