Each day on the job, activity is happening at a frenetic pace. Much of the flurry can seem like madness and wear on your own morale as a leader, particularly if numbers aren't coming in the way you need.

Each day, as well, your attitude is challenged. Depending on your circumstances, life can be wonderful and it can also stink. But doesn't it also depend on how you handle most situations?

Attitude is the most important human element. But how does a leader's attitude influence results at his or her company? In every way!

• How you as a leader and your team greet customers is all about attitude. Do you smile? How is your tone of voice? Do you apologize when you are wrong? Do you come across sincere? Does each customer feel as if he or she is important and valued?
• How you handle a tough economy is about attitude. Do you let the challenges of tough economic times become the excuse? Or, do you positively look for creative ways to expand your business, improve how you connect with people in the community and become a more effective, relationship-building businessperson?
• How you recognize coworkers is about attitude. What do you look for, what they do right or what they do wrong? It's easy to look for negatives as we are all flawed. Winners strive to look for the good.

Question: When's the last time you went out of your way to offer a solid "attaboy" without feeling squeamish about how you would be viewed? Leaders do not sacrifice authority by encouraging their team; they enhance learning, build morale, increase confidence and improve numbers.

• How you communicate with your boss is about attitude. Do you do "checkpoints" to make sure his or her expectations of you are met. "That's their responsibility" is not an excuse because it's just as much your responsibility.

Bringing solutions to the table, being candid and straightforward and knowing how to communicate in a manner that your boss responds favorably to is about choosing an attitude that longs for a productive relationship.

• How you view your employer is about attitude. Do you look for opportunities for the greater interest of the company? Are you the victim of bad circumstances that aren't fair? Being motivated, showing enthusiasm, limiting excuses and not complaining is about showing a "can do" attitude to persevere through the tough times, and it's about getting bottom-line results for you, your team and your company.

Mind food for thought on attitude...

"I take nothing for granted. I now have only good days or great days." — Lance Armstrong

"I've never been poor, only broke. Being poor is a frame of mind. Being broke is only a temporary situation." — Mike Todd

"Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can read." — Mark Twain

"Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out."

— John Wooden

Life is tough and challenging, and so is the work it brings. But no matter how you spin it, turn it around and flip it upside down, one thing always remains the same:

Your attitude is your daily choice.

Joe Takash works with companies looking to build morale and increase profits. He is the president of Victory Consulting and also serves as director of corporate relations for Robert Morris College. E-mail him at .