Changes in Attitudes,
Changes in Altitudes

Presented by Jim Mathis

Listen to a brief message from Jim Mathis:

At times, small-business owners look at change as a negative, a hardship that forces them out of their comfort zone to adapt to evolutions in their respective industry that are out of their hands.

It doesn't have to be that way, according to Jim Mathis, a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) of the National Speakers Association (NSA). In fact, Mathis can have you looking at change with a smile on your face.

"Change can be looked at as a new beginning. You, too, can effectively make the emotional transition from 'what was' to 'what will be.'"

Jobbers, service dealers and warehouse personnel attending Mathis's seminar "Changes in Attitudes, Changes in Altitudes" at the upcoming Network National Convention in Nashville will learn how to make change a faster, smoother journey from frustrating resistance to fulfilling engagement—while having a little fun along the way.

"If you can adjust to change more effectively, you'll reap the benefits of higher employee productivity, greater adaptability and improved innovation," says Mathis.

According to Mathis, you can improve your lifestyle and work productivity by making one adjustment—your attitude. Your altitude level increases as your attitude improves in any situation. During his seminar, you'll hear how one positive attitude choice sparked a revolution and turned around the world. You'll discover the keys to motivating your organization to the next level.

Most likely, you'll laugh as you listen as Jim walks you through the five steps to lifting your altitude of living—and those around you as well—with humorous personal stories and illustrations to help you see the fun, invigorating side of change.

Perhaps most important: You will learn five indisputable truths about your attitude that will make a difference in your life.

"Successful people know that attitude is a choice. The attitude you have right now is the one you chose to have. And you can choose to have a good one or a bad one."

For starters, try to accept the fact that you're going to have some tough days on the job, while keeping in mind it could always be worse, says Mathis, whose lighthearted delivery and Southern wit and wisdom have been characterized as "Dr. Phil meets Jeff Foxworthy."
"In the South, we have things that are native to our area, things like grits, sweet iced tea, Krispy Kreme doughnuts…and fishing shows on TV. These folks who would watch somebody fish on TV have got to be some of the laziest people in the world. And just think, no matter how difficult your job is, it can't be any more difficult than the editor of the fishing show. That's gotta be the worst job. They're filming those fishing shows all weekend long, and this poor guy has got to view hours and hours of footage waiting for something—anything—to happen."

Mathis says you can not only learn to accept change but you can also encourage a culture of change and anticipation. First, you have to get your motivators working for you. Attitudes won't change until people know why the change is occurring.

"Generate a sense of excitement in the organization by casting the vision of the way things could and will be," he says. "People begin to act on the change once they are in favor of it. Positive attitudes about the transition bring about behavioral change. Behavior is most often based on habits that are created through time as people practice what they feel comfortable doing. Behaviors will change as positive attitudes influence the organization's culture."

Finally, your see organizational change take place as behaviors become habits and the team is marching along to a new beat. Behavioral change means that everyone is acting on the attitudes and knowledge they have gained and are behaving in new fashion, ensuring organizational change as everyone begins to pick up the new habits.

"You've heard it said, 'No one wants change except a wet baby,'" Mathis says. "Well, that is not completely true. Most people welcome change in one form or another. Are you wearing the same fashion you were wearing 10 years ago? Are you satisfied with your weight and/or appearance? Are you tired of watching the same television program or channel? Most people like change and will embrace it if they understand why the change is necessary. To transition your organization, you need to begin by educating everyone in the need for change. You need to win over the naysayers and the ones who resist change the most."

Mathis encourages Network affiliates at every level of distribution to attend "Changes Changes in Attitudes, Changes in Altitudes" in Nashville.

"You have the opportunity—make the most of it! You will find many ideas and resources that will empower, enlighten and energize you."