Putting the Pieces Together

1. Putting the Pieces Together Self-Presentation Skills

2. Attitude • Take the Attitude Quotient Survey • What were your results?

3. Why Do I Need a Positive Attitude? • Let’s take look at Ruth…

4. When an idea was presented, she was the first one to say, “That won’t work.” • But she never offered alternatives. • She never looked for solutions. • She never, ever gave anything or anyone the benefit of the doubt. • Ruth was an absolute nightmare to work with.

5. Why Do You Think Ruth was a Nightmare to Work with?

6. Some people are just naturally more positive than others. • Most organizations work best when there are a wide variety of personalities in the mix.

7. But negativity for its own sake rarely serves a purpose. • People who can’t demonstrate a positive “can do” attitude in the workplace are truly damaging their career future.

8. Why Attitude Matters You may be thinking, “What’s the big deal? I’m just being honest. I have to voice my opinions and be myself. I don’t do the fake stuff.”

9. That’s fine • No one’s asking you to fake it…much. • The workplace is a living, breathing organism and everyone impacts it. • Your negative attitude can bring down the entire thing. • It’s as contagious as an airborne virus.

10. Now, Let’s be Clear: Voicing a different opinion, speaking assertively and saying “no” are not essentially negative.

11. A few simple strategies… • That will help you demonstrate a positive attitude, while still being yourself in the workplace:

12. Smile • It’s amazing how powerful a smile can be. • It actually changes your brain chemistry. • Even if you don’t feel like it, try to smile regularly throughout the day. • Others will respond to you more favorably and you’ll naturally feel more positive

13. Seek Solutions • Negative people see obstacles. • Positive people look for solutions. • Instead of pointing out a challenge and waving the white flag of surrender, approach it like a puzzle. • How can we turn the situation around? • How can we fix the problem? • How can we make this work?

14. It’s fine to be skeptical, but bring your own ideas to the table as well.

15. Remain Professional • Negativity comes from a place of emotion: • Frustration, anger, disappointment, etc. • Do your best to set these feelings aside. • The workplace is a professional environment—it’s your responsibility to act professionally.

16. That means using tact and diplomacy, stating facts before feelings, and finding ways to get the job done—even when it’s uncomfortable.

17. Respect the Team • Negativity sucks the energy from those around you. • Give your team members the respect they deserve.

18. A little effort goes a long way… • Even if you aren’t feeling particularly positive, focus on the bigger picture. • You’re a part of the team and your attitude matters.

19. Negativity is like a boomerang: • It always comes back to you. • The more you project a positive attitude, the more positivity will come your way.

20. You don’t have to pretend to be someone else. • Just recognize the powerful force that is your attitude, and use it to your advantage.

21. Dressing Appropriately

22. What is good grooming?

23. It is knowing what to do and putting it into practice on a daily basis. • Good grooming starts before you put on your clothing.

24. Good Grooming: • Means taking care of your hair, skin, face, hands and your total body.

25. Hygiene and Skin Care • Bathe or shower daily. • Rinse or wash your face at least two times a day. • Brush and floss daily. • Use mouthwash or rinse with diluted baking soda if mouthwash is not available.

26. Drink plenty of water to keep your insides clean. • This will also help to keep your skin fresh on the outside. • Remove underarm and leg hair regularly. (for females)

27. Females • Remove any facial hairs as they appear. • A depilatory or a bleaching cream may be needed if you have heavy facial growth. (mustache)

28. Males • Shave every day…if you have beard growth • If hair only grows on your chin—only shave that

29. Wear Very Little or No Perfume/Cologne • Allergies • Personal taste

30. Tattoo and Piercings • They have become very popular and are worn by both older and young people • It is recommended that the tattoo should be covered with clothing and piercings removed, if possible, for the job interview. • Some employers will require you to remove visible piercing while at work

31. Hands and Nails • Your hands talk for you! • Hands and nails should be clean • Fingernails should be manicured or cut short

32. Interview Tip: Have a Good Hand Shake • Practice giving a good handshake. • This is especially important for a woman. • A good handshake is firm but not tight, grasping the person’s whole hand. • Smile and look at the person while you shake hands.

33. Dress for Success How to Dress for Work

34. Successful or Not? What Do you Think?

35. Successful?

36. Successful?

37. Dressing for Success

49. Ten Easy Ways to Look Unprofessional

50. Either don’t shave, or miss a couple hairs if you do. If you’re lucky, you’re the type whose facial hair grows very sporadically, so not shaving means inch-long hairs in random places! • Make sure you don’t wear deodorant. The musky smell of body odor is natural, so it must be good!