She had a nice smile and attentive eyes.

That’s what I noticed about the waitress at the Italian restaurant we visited the other night. After first asking permission to explain the restaurant’s menu in detail because we were first-time visitors, she thoughtfully pointed out special dishes, made her own personal recommendations and added emphasis to the specials of the night.

She had a nice smile and attentive eyes. Those two traits are important. I could have hired this young woman to do many different jobs in many industries. She has the prerequisite every employer wants in sales, marketing, finance or personnel.

That nice smile and fully present look told me she had a good attitude about work. The prerequisite is attitude. Attitude is the one thing we can’t change in employees. You’ve got a good attitude or you don’t. Given adequate ability and desire to learn, everything else can be taught to employees with good attitudes. I have tried many times to teach good attitudes and have come to the conclusion it is about as easy as making a mud fence.

How do you find employees with good attitudes? It’s simple to understand. You look for them. They are everywhere.

• They are behind the teller counter at the bank.
• I’ve seen them at BestBuy selling computers.
• I’ve spotted them volunteering for their favorite causes.
• You’ve struck up a conversation with them working out at the gym.
• He showed up to fix your cable TV problem.
• She solved your insurance claim problem over the phone.

You have an employee(s) with good attitudes. Ask them about who they know that might want to work in your organization. Ask those with good attitudes because they hang out with others with good attitudes.

When you spot a good attitude try this technique. Simply say to the person, “You have a terrific smile and attitude. My organization is always looking for people with attitudes like yours. If you are looking for a change, please call me”, as you hand over your card, “ keep up the good work.”

The above message delivered correctly will, at the minimum, be the high point of the recipient’s day. It may be the next step on a career path.

For you, delivering the above message may be the first step to finding more employees with good attitudes. You can’t find gold without looking for it.

Doug Emerson trains consults and coaches business owners on how to make more profit in less time using 8 key strategies. He writes a free electronic newsletter about the business of life called Getting to the Point. Free subscription available at the homepage. http://www.douglasemerson.com

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