Eyes & Ears: Good attitude in workplace is hard to beat

That’s my conclusion after a strong response to January’s call for business colleagues who exemplify positive attitudes in the workplace. After my Feb. 4 column ran with three “attitude” entries, I received three more examples of a good attitude, even though February’s Character Ed word of the month was “courtesy.”

Character Education is a multiyear initiative lead by the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce promoting quality character traits among southwest Missourians.

Attitude

Person who exemplifies “attitude” at work: Brett Garrett

Company, title: Butler, Rosenbury & Partners, structural CAD technician

Submitted by: Bruce Adib-Yazdi, co-worker

How does Brett Garrett exemplify a good attitude? Through working with him here at Butler, Rosenbury & Partners, I can say that Brett’s attitude is contagious. Whether he is drafting a detail or participating in a company event, he always keeps a positive attitude, and is always looking for ways to improve. He takes on new assignments with a fervor that those around him can see and feel. While his position is not necessarily one of leadership, he is by example, a leader in his department.

Person who exemplifies “attitude” at work: Terry Whaley

Company, title: Ozark Greenways, executive director

Submitted by: Jerany Jackson, colleague (Springfield-Greene County Park Board)

How does Terry Whaley exemplify a good attitude? I have the pleasure of working with Terry nearly every day planning linear park trails, and discussing the future of multimodal transportation and safe routes to school. Terry never gives up! No matter the challenge, his great attitude carries the day. When the bridge was burned down on the Frisco Trail, he was not defeated. Terry rallied the supporters and kept believing that the project could get done until it was. When funds are tight, Terry finds a way, even if that means asking volunteers to help or doing the work himself. No challenge is too great for this man. His attitude helps him achieve great things!

Courtesy

Person who exemplifies “courtesy” at work: Erin Bellanti

Company, title: ArmorThane, USA, customer service representative

Submitted by: Michael Traiteur, co-worker

How does Erin Bellanti exemplify courtesy? Erin’s day is comprised mainly of talking with customers representing the ArmorThane products. She exemplifies the most basic definition of courtesy with her ability to be a great listener. She allows the customer time to present the reason for calling, does not interrupt and listens to the results they desire. She lets them know that she is truly interested in their call and follows through to make certain that the issue is handled completely. She does all of this with a cheery disposition that seems to infect the person on the other end of the phone. I think Webster’s could simply define courtesy by placing a picture of Erin beneath the word.

Combo

In this last entry, Florene Williams of the Missouri Career Center knows someone who exemplifies a good attitude and is courteous.

Person who exemplifies “attitude” and “courtesy” at work: Lynn Cline

Company, title: Missouri State University Library, head of acquisitions

Submitted by: Florene Williams, colleague (Missouri Career Center)

How does Lynn Cline exemplify both traits? I am almost finished with a master’s in library science through cooperation between MU and MSU. While studying, I’ve noticed that Lynn takes an interest in the library science students. He is a special guest in many of the classes and has taught library management with respect to collections and acquisitions. I would expect to see his photo in an encyclopedia for the word humility. And yet he likes to joke with you, also. Last semester, I found him and Byron Stewart, head of reference, as I was looking for what I thought was a Tuesday night class, but was actually a Monday night class. Lynn quipped that the instructor might consider passing me in spite of the gaff. He has a very special attitude and makes everyone feel valued while accepting compliments with a giant dollop of humility.

Springfield Business Journal Editor Eric Olson can be reached at eolson@sbj.net.

SBJ Salutes Character Ed

The Character Ed word for March is “self-discipline” – to work hard, to control your emotions, actions and impulses, and to give your best in every situation.

Who in your workplace best exemplifies this quality character trait? Send an e-mail to eolson@sbj.net with the person’s name, title, employer and a brief example of the trait at work. Responses will be published in upcoming Opinion pages.