It’s About Attitude

As I chat with directors of maintenance, I always like to ask what they look for in new employees. Just about every one of them says that having a positive attitude is at the top of the list. Technical knowledge can be taught. But if someone has a bad attitude, they make life hard for the whole team.

I had the opportunity to chat with a new A&P mechanic a few weeks ago. I was a bit surprised by his attitude. He had worked for four different companies since he graduated from A&P school a year and a half ago. He was laid off once, and the other three times he quit because of personal issues.

During the conversation I found out that showing up to work was not a big priority for him. He would call in sick at the drop of a hat if he just didn’t want to go in. He also shared how he hated when “older” mechanics told him how to do a job. “I’m an A&P,” he said. “I know what I am doing.”

It was also apparent that he was chasing the dollar. He was already looking for his next job that would pay more money. To him, it was not about growing as a mechanic and learning from others who had more experience than him. There was no passion for the job. It was about making money.

My dad told me a long time ago that if you chase a dollar, you will never catch it. But if you work hard and are passionate about your career, you will be successful.

Unfortunately, this young man doesn’t get it. He is miserable in his job and keeps thinking that it is the company or coworkers’ fault, when all he needs to do is look in the mirror. I wish him the best, but success will be nearly impossible if he doesn’t change his attitude.