“Can Do” Is an Attribute of Successful People
Problem Solvers are Always in Demand
Shortly after graduating from college, I attended the US Navy Supply Corps School. While we were taught all the mechanics of what a supply officer on the ship has to do, the most important instruction had to do with our attitude on board the ship. It was impressed upon us that we must find a way to do what ever the Captain wanted as long as it was legal. This was driven into us during the whole six months of the school and can be summarized as a positive, “can-do attitude”. This attitude and I would say attribute is just as applicable to business as it is to the Navy. You should make it your goal to be known in the organization as one who can find solutions to whatever problem is presented. This does not mean that you know everything but that you are willing to try and solve problems presented to you. Many of your suggestions may not see the light of day due to constraints of which you are not aware of. But over time people will recognize that you will give it a good shot and that you will develop ideas, many of which will prove useful. The other aspect of being a can-do person is that they can accomplish tasks. Being able to meet deadlines and live within budgets are also the attributes that you want to exhibit to your boss and two coworkers. When both know they can count on you to complete assignments, your role in your group will expand. It is much easier to say, “It can't be done” than it is to probe a problem, develop a creative solution and be ready to implement it. Problem solvers are always in demand; so the sooner you can develop a reputation as a can-do person, the sooner doors to more responsibility will open for you either at your current company or at a prospective employer. |
R. David Silva
|
