One of the things I love to write and talk about is attitude. There’s an old cliche that I refer to when I’m talking about this subject. It’s "Attitude determines altitude." While I’m not one to run around carrying flags brandishing cliches, there are some that I think carry a very definite message. This is one of them.

As a manager in the mortgage industry I interviewed a lot of people for hiring. One statement I’ve come to own through that process is this: "I will hire someone with a little experience and a great attitude over someone with a little attitude and great experience." And the reason for this is simple. People with great attitudes are teachable.

While great experience is definitely an asset, a lot of times it pumps up your ego. And if you don’t keep your ego in check it can ruin you.

I remember a particular instance in 2000 where I was working as a VP for one company and interviewing for a similar position at another company that was bigger and stronger. I had gone through the interview process and I was feeling really good about it. I was expecting the phone call with the lucrative offer and it finally came. I told me assistant to shut my office door. My office was huge and two of the four walls were floor to ceiling windows. I had a view of the local airport where I watched all the corporate jets come in and out all day long. I was sure this new position was going to lead me to flying in my own corporate jet very soon.

I sat in my big overstuffed leather chair, put my feet up on my desk and answered the call. "Rich Vosler, can I help you?" What I heard next blew my mind. "Hi Rich, this is John Doe from ABC company." "Hi John, what can I do for you?" I knew why he was calling and I was excited! "Rich, I just wanted to give you a call and let you know that we offered the position to someone else." Dead silence. How can that be? I politely thanked him and hung up my phone. I sat there for a long time not believing what I’d just heard. I was certain that I was going to get that job.

What happened? I let my ego take over the situation and it showed through during the interview process. A year later, I got a lower level job working for the guy who beat me out for the position I was originally going for. That brought my ego back in check and he and I are very close friends today.

Your attitude is very important in your success. The way you cultivate a good attitude is by reading good, positive, uplifting books and listening to people who have done what you want to do or something similar. You can do that by listening to tapes or CDs or by spending time with these people. However you do it, the most important thing is that you do it. Check back for future posts on how to begin that process. I believe in you!