If you work in an agency or web department within an organization, let’s shift that perspective from promoting your work to being considered for a promotion. Doing good work is a smaller part of the equation. My experience has demonstrated that most of the great opportunities go to people with magical attitudes. Maintaining a great attitude is far from automatic. It takes real skill to keep it positive.
While we largely deal in a world of computer interactions, it’s the personal interactions you have with your colleagues, peers, and managers that truly shape your destiny. The amazing grid structure you implemented, the engaging presentation you gave, or the sleek JavaScript you wrote won’t stick in people’s minds as much as the time you praised someone for an amazing effort or (gasp) threw someone under the bus to make yourself shine.
For better or worse, I’ve been in the position to influence the professional growth and development of many talented people. My experience is that people who achieve the most success share one or more of these qualities, in no particular order:
- They are humble. Their success doesn’t consume them.
- They are on time. On time for work, on time for meetings, on time for the train. They hate wasting their own time, and as a byproduct, anyone else’s.
- They always appreciate what they have. And as a result, they usually get more.
- They are universally respectful—to their friends, their boss, or to the person that makes their sandwich for lunch.
- They don’t let work consume them.
- They make sacrifices for the benefit of others.
- They are patient.
- They put in the extra effort when it’s needed, without any strings attached.
- They resolve issues or conflicts directly.
- They respectfully push back. It’s easy to push back. To do so with respect takes skill.
- They trust their colleagues.
The truth is, I have hired people based on their attitudes alone, and it’s rarely been a bad move. People who have positive attitudes want to learn. People with great technical skills and lousy attitudes may find themselves combing through LinkedIn before they know it.
You know those passionate locker room speeches by sports coaches pounding the importance of winning attitudes in the heads of athletes? Yep, heard them a million times. But they’re not doing it to create drama. They’re doing it because they’ve learned firsthand what contributes to success.
I, for one, plan on making 2013 the year I take a step back and look at how my attitude is absorbed and affects the others around me. And I’ll adjust accordingly. And if you consider doing the same, you might be surprised by the doors that open for you.
157 Responses
156 Tweets and 1 Blog Post (also 87 retweets, not shown)
Great work might get you far, but @Hoyboy explains how a great attitude will get you further—this week on Cognition http://t.co/UcboGJlh
Spot on. Great work great attitude = success. http://t.co/VxihWwds
It takes more than sweet chops to climb a ladder. Some thoughts based upon my experience: http://t.co/lRpESxkh #cognition
Your work is good, but are you good to work with? Loving this #cognition article by @hoyboy http://t.co/AbSh6lLS
I couldn’t agree more with @hoyboy, nor could I have summarized it better: http://t.co/b87JklVJ #cognition”
Good Work Isn't Enough. Attitude counts: http://t.co/wDLVyIlA #design
"It takes real skill to keep (your attitude) positive." Truth. More skill than design chops, I've found.
not sure such values are universal. hoping they really are: http://t.co/SfNzxBUa
Excellent advice from @hoyboy. Be patient, have a good attitude and be on time. http://t.co/GX10tUKT
Good work isn’t enough. http://t.co/OMAF7sEF
A great article about the people with magical attitudes #cognition http://t.co/096NlznI
Good Work Isn't Enough. A great attitude will get you further http://t.co/IcUOarfP #design
@happycog 's Greg Hoy explains why "good work" just isn't enough: http://t.co/PD9M63Cv
"While we deal in a world of computer interactions, it’s the personal interactions ... that truly shape your destiny." http://t.co/LGDee70b
Good work isn’t enough. *Must read * http://t.co/g4JjrrcH
I love this article by @hoyboy about what it really means to be good at your job. http://t.co/pbfAAcng
Good work and a great attitude will get you far. http://t.co/wNFVylD1 #fb
“…people who achieve the most success… do good work AND (have a great attitude)” by @hoyboy http://t.co/YFLpCoEM
This article. So so yes. http://t.co/8WIzHNHG #philosophybeforebreakfast #drupalcon / via @zeldman
Tweet by Jeffrey Zeldman http://t.co/ri4naoVy
This is so spot on, it's ridiculous. Ridic. U. Lous. http://t.co/MEzUC98D
Great, great article! -- Good work isn’t enough http://t.co/JKiUfWOg via @hoyboy
Great post via @hoyboy. "Good work isn’t enough ... Great opportunities go to people with magical attitudes." http://t.co/nsreVNYX
Great thoughts. The best colleagues have the best attitudes, not necessarily the best skills. http://t.co/X2w15R3m
Adjust your attitude http://t.co/J2IALBlN
Printed and hung on my office wall // “@motherfuton: This is so spot on, it's ridiculous. Ridic. U. Lous. http://t.co/yToJfAsr”
Good work isn't enough. Check it out. http://t.co/kYXUOSsi
Excellent article about career success by a smart man. If you hire people, please read it.
Love this article by @hoyboy and it easily relates to all aspects of life: http://t.co/uzhtAWlT
Wonderfully put & wholeheartedly agree. Glad 2 have been able 2 hire/recommend on similar ideas & love giving that away http://t.co/AeLqjkRv
Do good work & don't be an asshole http://t.co/tkblqvTN
This great post explains why just doing good work isn't enough. http://t.co/PD9uHNv7 it's well written and succinct.
Good work Good attitude / Great article http://t.co/RxYmuHWw
Good work isn't enough--your attitude speaks louder than your resume http://t.co/FjQmLAcu via @theseboots
Great perspective--> "Good work isn't good enough."
Good find!! “@BBerkner: Great perspective--> "Good work isn't good enough." http://t.co/70jUJdu2”
What's most important? Great attitude! Loved this piece
Be polite and resourceful.
"Experience has demonstrated that most of the great opportunities go to people with magical attitudes." http://t.co/Z7SGEmK3 #unicorn
Couldn't agree more: Good work isn't enough http://t.co/liQbJIJZ /by @hoyboy /via @benefritz
http://t.co/VYYggbjw A great post on how having a positive attitude could be more important than doing good work...
"great opportunities go to people with magical attitudes" @happycog CEO reminds us it's not always about great work http://t.co/N0X7ClVU
Nice short read on the importance of attitude at work. http://t.co/c8dRylJC by @hoyboy
Why Good work isn’t enough? http://t.co/zJw6bfx9
Good work isn’t enough http://t.co/pMUYz55q
Short article about doing good in the workplace. Worth reading. :)
Inspiration for a better Web Developer. [Good work isn’t enough.] http://t.co/HeJs8rOJ #attitude #success
Your work is good, but are you good to work with? Great read! article by @hoyboy http://t.co/kRF3m2QJ
“@brettharned: Your work is good, but are you good to work with? http://t.co/OQXXaBbO” @gilesnorway #shoein
In the workplace, affability trumps output. Wise words from @hoyboy. http://t.co/RVDkBaAI
“@snailbites: “@brettharned: Your work is good, but are you good to work with? http://t.co/GR4YgasL” #shoein” GREAT read!
It's not just your good #design, but it's your positive #attitude which drives your success. I like what he wrote. http://t.co/GUx0IYoK
Good work isn't enough - You need a good attitude | http://t.co/hMZE5VA3
Good work always speaks for itself. Its a self-promoting robot. ❤ It! http://t.co/X5gehQb6
http://t.co/BqYaglFl Good work isn't enough by Greg Hoy ceo of Landor
sounds good… http://t.co/MgeppZJ7
So well said... #goodwork is not #enough http://t.co/Cg7c9gUK
Good work isn’t enough http://t.co/nFYJoiFK
Rob Stinogle blogged this response:
Attitude is infectious. It spreads like wildfire, and a few great (or not so great) demeanors can quickly change the dynamic of a project, or even an entire team. Greg touches on impassioned coaches in his article, and their positive attitudes. More →
"While we deal in a world of computer interactions, it’s the personal interactions that truly shape your destiny." http://t.co/KMWI1ehU
Mantener una actitud positiva influye sobre tus trabajos, tu desarrollo y tu alrededor.
“@brettharned: Your work is good, but are you good to work with? Loving this #cognition article by @hoyboy http://t.co/v6wtaCDk”
I agree -- positive attitudes are as or more important than technical skills http://t.co/1aj4XaoL
I like this a lot via @happycog http://t.co/oTUlwpYJ
Cette année, je ferais plus attention à mon attitude car "le bon travail ne suffit pas" ! http://t.co/UcboGJlh
How to get noticed for our work? #Good #work isn't enough! http://t.co/dokgWR8L
This is just that kind of really great advice that i needed. Attitude adjusted!
Good work isn’t enough. http://t.co/brcuAzZG
Love the article. Couldn't agree more on every point. http://t.co/kg1wHJ9T
Positive attitude is everything! @Hoyboy from #HappyCog reminds us how great attitude good work = success.
Cognition Article: "Good work isn’t enough." by @hoyboy http://t.co/QK2SfdGF
Simply doing good work isn't enough for #success. People and attitudes matter more http://t.co/4Er9dicy
Stay Active! http://robandlauren.com/2013/02/09/stay-active/ My response to this great article: http://cognition.happycog.com/article/good-work-isnt-enough/
"...most of the great opportunities go to people with magical attitudes...." http://t.co/1ZTf5M82 #dailyinspiration #morethangoodwork
True for any profession #design #playnice http://t.co/kWqsOz1w
Agreed 100%! | Good Work Isn't Enough (Attitude Matters) http://t.co/ppuSmSDx http://t.co/AmiN2y9j
Agreed 100% - Great advice for all professionals | Good Work Isn't Enough (Attitude Matters) http://t.co/AmiN2y9j #mustread
Good work isn’t enough. http://t.co/j6b3sn9q | #notetoself
Outstanding article! I'm sending this out to everyone I can. Thanks @hoyboy http://t.co/FXfO4adM
Great read on attitude. Show your kids. http://t.co/noZxOdIl
Excellent advice: http://t.co/q7yZ8vH5
Great read! Attitude is important! http://t.co/NAmWfAqw
Good work isn’t enough. http://t.co/GpYfCl8v
"My experience has demonstrated that most of the great opportunities go to people with magical attitudes" http://t.co/wmOlgx6G
Great article about how no matter how good you are, your attitude counts for more. "Good Work Isn't Enough" http://t.co/H12MoVEY
Good attitude is just as important as skills. Certainly look for this when hiring - http://t.co/Wh2AI28n
Great post by @hoyboy. A must read for anyone who has a job. http://cognition.happycog.com/article/good-work-isnt-enough
Good work isn’t enough. http://t.co/43PLtIzQ
Good Work Isn't Enough. Attitude counts: http://t.co/ey9aI5Zq
When good work isn't enough http://t.co/TI3uCiJ3
Good work isn’t enough. Great attitude matters most. http://t.co/AMIZr8Gz
words to live by. Great advice @hoyboy ! http://t.co/olr8zGPZ
Greg's right, attitude is everything. http://t.co/PDln0aQw
Words to live by. Great advice @hoyboy ! http://t.co/olr8zGPZ #DontBeADick
Good work isn’t enough. by @hoyboy http://t.co/EURgHHEz #behumble #bepatient #trust
Agreed! Our attitudes are our lasting impressions with others, not just our designs. // "Good work isn't enough." http://t.co/vBA1LubL
Good Work isn't Enough Article - http://t.co/kFqlk9BS
@hoyboy explains good work is not enough. #attitude #positivity http://t.co/45AirP4C
Refine your soft skills! @hoyboy reminds us that positive attitudes yield great opportunities. #cognition http://t.co/OloWrIKK
An article about good work and great attitude http://t.co/G0FmPyGw
good to work with is as important as good work. found this to be true over and over! http://t.co/QXhiBEDB
Great work is not enough. "Great opportunities go to people with magical attitudes." http://t.co/j94weG0Z @hoyboy http://t.co/qzGH8cp3
Good work is not enough. A great attitude goes a long way too. Cognizance FTW!!! http://t.co/wAY4VXuj
Una muy interesante lectura sobre actitud en el ambiente laboral. Muy recomendable http://t.co/dSyzmMG6
http://t.co/ohlexoTo A great attitude compliments great work to lead to success.
Great work might get you far, but @Hoyboy explains how a great attitude will get you further—this week on Cognition http://t.co/cE8ZOJlH
All you Negative Nancies need to read this -- Good work isn’t enough. - http://t.co/VKctNKEG
Short but definitely a great read: http://t.co/vhboFMQX
http://t.co/lmHyFZrw - Awesome article. Improving my attitude is definitely my goal.
"...most of the great opportunities go to people with magical attitudes" http://t.co/7X2OQDsm
Good work isn't enough by @hoyboy http://t.co/vPjmAywV
Good work good attitude = success. Oh yeah. http://t.co/YvjKCcng
Good work isn’t enough http://t.co/0ZeZjIXM
"Good work isn't enough." http://t.co/RTi7PR9J
Good work isn't enough... Good article from @happycog http://t.co/uwJNKWoL
I wish more people realized that it isn't enough to just do good work. Attitude really does matter.. http://t.co/qcp2WbmA #HappyCog
Good work isn’t enough. http://t.co/9N4obZ8UZL
Tu trabajo es bueno. Lo eres tú para poder trabajar contigo? http://t.co/XRI7S5hOhx Good work isn’t enough. Interesante lectura por @hoyboy
"Good work isn’t enough." http://t.co/60mbG8F7Xm
Good work isn’t enough. By @hoyboy http://t.co/agcZOTGxJl - Well said! #design #advice
this article was much needed and humbling this morning. http://t.co/hhOdOKglDv
Qualities of successful people? Patient, kind, smart, respectful, willing to learn--love it @Hoyboy http://t.co/DjhJbntSWD
For all the "rock star" design students entering the real world: Good work isn't enough. http://t.co/Qf8TwRc5Ev
RT: Good Work Isn't Enough. http://t.co/HZTw2AKJ2E
“@TheNoelle: Good Work isn't Enough http://t.co/dUnsTp4X7v” @JackYoest #AlertStudents
Excellent article about finding #success in the workplace. #design http://t.co/A9IE8prpsn
Love this list of qualities of the most successful people from @hoyboy: http://t.co/aOCKsFCecV
Right on piece on the qualities of success. http://t.co/nWgZbBaYsq
Good work isn’t enough. // http://t.co/18UPXqX2C0 (via @theloop) #fb
What are successful people like? http://t.co/ONbteXCcme @happycog
http://t.co/6tYWJ67wRX "Good work isn't enough".
Qualities you are most likely to find in people who achieve the most success http://t.co/fw3aNSoxlr from Greg Hoy – President @happycog
Great article about how attitude is probably the most important factor in success. http://t.co/hyPpAkj6nK
Awesome article by @hoyboy. Thanks @swissmiss! http://t.co/OU5jK3Lq0N
"http://t.co/HDFEsUFfzn” "Maintaining a great attitude is far from automatic. It takes real skill to keep it positive." #mustread
Interesting to read...Qualities of Successful People: Good work isn't enough http://t.co/8Ydpjq4dhs
Good work isn’t enough. http://t.co/nIHW77Vnoz
Good work isn't enough, it's about being a good person!
Great way to start your morning! Short and sweet with a punch to the gut!
Keeping things simple and doing them well just works, whatever the walk of life, whatever the situation http://t.co/2F4q1O1rI9
Good work isn't enough.
Good work isn’t enough.Greg Hoy lists qualities you are most likely to find in people who achieve the most success. http://t.co/v4iMIMWNq1
http://t.co/4uYJ2nWnWM Do good work in a good way and good work will find you#jobs #inspiration #good #humble
Think just doing a good job is enough to get ahead? http://t.co/B7JjNFZ91v
Great article on how doing good work is important, but it is only part of the equation #attitude http://t.co/m8Sj5g5mRN
Awesome article on how attitude determines success http://t.co/cJGLghqOeQ
Good work isn’t enough. http://t.co/dgjv9lqdFh
Some of the best advice I've ever heard on how to get ahead, but not just at work--in life! http://t.co/lORvMuivLX
Truth! “@outtacontext: Some of the best advice I've ever heard on how to get ahead, but not just at work--in life! http://t.co/cC0EOiwJJF”
Why Good Work Isn't Enough-Especially If You're A Photographer http://t.co/9SQNx4pQl9
Thank you for sharing.
"Good Work Isn't Enough" Attitude matters other qualities of successful people, by @hoyboy http://t.co/i9TQW5mQWT
attitude >talent
This is perfectly stated! http://t.co/SKZUFenaki