When you think of the word 'attitude', you might think of different things. If you've ever had a teenaged child, you probably think of an eye roll and a long, self-suffering sigh. If you've had a cat you might think of that aloof, love-me-when-I-wish-and-only-then manner. But what does attitude suggest at work, or in your personal life?

Going From Rolled-up Pantyhose To A Billion Dollars

The name Sara Blakely may not mean anything to you, but the name Spanx probably does. Sara Blakely is the inventor of the slimming bodywear, and she hustled her way into billionaire status. 

She grew up with a father who openly discussed failures. Blakely was always encouraged to try new things and not be afraid of failing. Now, she always discusses her failures with her employees to help them to be brave and not get bogged down by the idea of failure.

Blakely did not do well as a stand-up comedian. She did not do well on the LSAT, the test needed to attend law school. She spent years trying to sell fax machines door-to-door. But through it all, her attitude was positive and she kept trying. She realised while working as a salesperson that she had a viable product. The slimming, seamless undergarments called Spanx were born.

Being Afraid To Fail Means Being Afraid To Try

Sara Blakely never gave up. She continued to develop her product, and she worked tirelessly to find a manufacturer for it. She analysed her failures and learned from them. 

My dad encouraged us to fail. Growing up, he would ask us what we failed at that week. If we didn't have something, he would be disappointed. It changed my mindset at an early age that failure is not the outcome, failure is not trying. Don't be afraid to fail.

Sara Blakely

How Attitude Relates To Innovation

Attitude is one of the 4 pillars under the competency of Innovation in the i4 Neuroleader Model. An attitude that embraces positivity and change, sees opportunities everywhere rather than threats. This is critical if you want to keep innovation as a primary driver for growth within your team or organisation. 

The i4 Neuroleader Program can teach your brain how to shift focus and find solutions to problems that you would never believe possible.

i4 Neuroleader Model Framework

5 Tips For Attitude

  1. Stop trying to be perfect
  2. Love who you are
  3. Do more of what you enjoy 
  4. Don’t let others tear you down
  5. Smile

Attitude is more than teenaged angst. Attitude gives us the drive to press on and to never quit. It's important to have a positive attitude both personally and professionally. Be brave and take a chance, even if that chance leads to failure.

Learn from your mistakes and keep trying. Innovation will never occur if you are too afraid to reach for it. 

Originally posted on: 27 June 2017
Last updated on: 24 March 2024

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Silvia Damiano

Silvia Damiano

Founder & CEO
About my Brain Institute

Scientist, educator, author, speaker, coach, award-winning leadership specialist, filmmaker and creator of the i4 Neuroleader Model & Methodology.

Silvia's scientific background and curiosity about the human brain led her to a decade long journey of research into optimal brain functioning and the application of neuroscience in leadership and daily life. Her past and current roles have uniquely prepared her for the current undertaking, that of leadership activist & change agent.

Silvia Damiano founded The About my Brain Institute in 2009, with the purpose of democratising leadership & neuroscience. She has a passionately held belief, that leaders in our 21st century global economy and their organisations must radically change long-held ideas of what constitutes effective leadership

In her ground-breaking books ‘Leadership is Upside Down’, ‘Brain-Friendly Leadership’ and the 2018 documentary ‘Make Me A Leader’, Silvia provides both compelling evidence and explores the importance of leadership in our personal and professional lives and what it takes to develop the human behind the leader.

Silvia has worked in different countries, across many industries, helping teams and organisations improve business performance. Silvia’s clients have described her as a passionate, dynamic, a highly experienced speaker and master facilitator on the topics of Emotional Intelligence, Cultural Change, Neuroleadership & Engagement.

Silvia is passionate about leaving a legacy of well-rounded leaders who can act and decide in a way that better serves humanity. Her clients include Microsoft, Australian Stock Exchange, NSW Government, VISA, Fuji Xerox and Manpower amongst many other global companies.

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