The symbiotic relationship between employee attitude and performance excellence

One of the stumbling blocks facing organisations is the negative attitude and character of employees who defeat the organisations’ aspiration of becoming models of excellence.

Organisations facing this situation have two things to do; they can rehabilitate these employees or part ways with them if they want to remain competitive and survive. e signi cance of positive attitude and character in achieving performance excellence within an organisation cannot be overstated. Employees who embody a positive attitude approach their work with enthusiasm, resilience, and a willingness to tackle challenges head- on. is positivity not only fosters a motivating work environment but also promotes collaboration and teamwork, essential components for achieving collective goals. Moreover, employees with strong character traits such as integrity, honesty, and accountability establish a foundation of trust among their peers and leaders, facilitating smoother communication and decision- making processes. Additionally, individuals with a high level of character exhibit a commitment to excellence, consistently striving to deliver their best work and upholding the values and standards of the organisation. All organisations who are currently in transformation journey are advised to prioritise human development by equipping employees with so skills required in the current social revolution. is is critical because most organisational chaos and con icts come from unre ned attitude and character of workers leading to toxic working environment and poor performance. In the realm of organisational psychology and human resources management, the dynamics between employee attitude, character, and performance have long been a subject of intrigue and scrutiny. Employees’ attitudes in uence their motivation, engagement, and willingness to contribute to the organisation’s goals. Positive attitudes foster a conducive work environment, encouraging teamwork, innovation, and adaptability to change. Moreover, employees with strong character traits like integrity, accountability, and resilience uphold ethical standards, enhance trust among colleagues, and mitigate risks associated with misconduct or negligence.

By prioritising the cultivation of positive attitudes and character traits, organisations can foster a culture of excellence, leading to improved productivity, employee satisfaction, and ultimately, sustainable success. is article delves into the symbiotic relationship that exists between employee attitude, character, and performance, elucidating how each component in uences and is in uenced by the others within the organisational context. What is employee attitude and how does it evolve? Attitude formation is a complex interplay of various factors, including individual experiences, upbringing, societal influences, and personal beliefs. ese elements shape an individual’s perceptions, values, and emotional responses to di erent situations, ultimately determining their attitude towards life, work, and relationships. It re ects their overall disposition towards their work, colleagues, and the organisation. Positive attitudes are characterised by enthusiasm, dedication, and a willingness to go above and beyond expectations. For example, employees with a positive attitude may develop habits of perseverance, optimism, and collaboration, leading to greater personal and professional success. On the other hand, negative attitudes may manifest as apathy, cynicism, or resistance to change. For example, employees with negative attitude may consistently express cynical remarks about the organisation’s initiatives, believing that they are futile and may show little interest or enthusiasm in their tasks, o en completing them with minimal e ort or engagement. is attitude in uences our habits that manifest into character. erefore, cultivating positive employees’ attitude by mentoring, training, counselling and constructive feedback and clear communication is essential for nurturing constructive habits and fostering a character aligned with values of integrity, resilience, and growth.

What is character and why is it the moral compass of the employee?

Character typically refers to the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. It encompasses a combination of traits, values, attitudes, behaviours, and beliefs that shape a person’s actions and interactions with others. A person’s character is o en considered a re ection of their integrity, honesty, empathy, resilience, and other virtues or vices they may possess. It is built over time through experiences, upbringing, education, and personal choices. It delineates the distinction between right and wrong behaviour and guides one’s actions in various situations. Employees with strong character exhibit honesty, accountability, and respect for others, fostering trust and cohesion within the organisational framework. Conversely, a de ciency in character may lead to ethical lapses, con icts, and erosion of organisational integrity. e relationship between employee attitude, character, and performance is inherently symbiotic, with each element exerting a reciprocal in uence on the others. Positive attitudes o en coincide with strong character traits, as individuals with integrity and ethical values tend to approach their work with diligence, optimism, and a desire for continuous improvement. Conversely, negative attitudes may stem from character aws such as dishonesty, irresponsibility, or a lack of commitment, undermining individual and collective performance. Furthermore, employee attitude and character signi cantly impact performance outcomes through their e ects on motivation, engagement, and interpersonal dynamics.

e Author is a member of Organisational Excellence Specialists in Canada, holds Master of Science in Strategic Management, is a Certi ed Manager of Quality and Organisational Excellence from America Society for Quality. He is also a Certi ed Professional Excellence Assessor, Master Excellence Trainer, Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt, ISO 9001: 2015 Certi ed. Contact: 72211182, Website: www. iqm. co. bw and Email: veronmosalakatane@ gmail. com LinkedIn: Veron Mosalakatane