8. Attitude

8. Attitude#

Course Website

http://54.243.252.9/ce-4200-webroot/

Readings/References#

  1. Ajzen, I. (1991). The theory of planned behavior. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 50, p. 179-211.

  2. Lawson (2022), Attitudes Lecture to accompany CE 4200, Whitacre College of Engineering, Texas Tech University

  3. Lawson (2022), Attitudes Handout to accompany Attitudes Lecture

Videos#

  1. none

Purpose#

The purpose of this lesson is to provide guidance and preparation for the upcoming Job Fair, equipping you with the mindset and foundational strategies to make the most of the opportunity. While this lesson is primarily motivational, its impact might not feel immediately tangible. However, upon reflection, you may realize you’ve absorbed valuable insights that influence how you approach the event and your career development.

Key Objectives:#

  • Motivate and Inspire:

    • Encourage a proactive and confident approach to networking and presenting yourself to potential employers.

    • Highlight the importance of viewing the Job Fair as a learning experience, regardless of immediate outcomes.

  • Preparation for Action:

    • Ensure you approach the Job Fair with a clear purpose and realistic expectations.

    • Provide strategies for effective communication, self-presentation, and professional etiquette that can help you stand out.

Definition of Attitudes#

attitude [at-i-tood, -tyood]: manner, disposition, feeling, position, etc., with regard to a person or thing; tendency or orientation, especially of the mind.

Synonyms:#

- approach

- opinion

- belief

- perspective

- bias

- philosophy

- character

- point of view

- demeanor

- position

- mindset

- posture

- mood

- prejudice

- notion

- reaction

- sensibility

- sentiment

- stance

- stand

- temperament

- view

  1. BOK2 Definition: Attitudes refer to the “ways in which one thinks and feels in response to a fact or situation.”

  2. BOK3 Definition: “Attitudes [are] learned predispositions to respond in a consistently favorable or unfavorable manner.”

Intention of “Attitudes”#

  • At the professional level, one’s attitudes affect how knowledge and skills are applied to solving civil engineering problems (BOK2).

  • “Professional attitudes are the positive and constructive attitudes that a civil engineer should display” (BOK3).

From Where Do We Get Our Attitudes?

  • Life experiences.

  • Education and mentoring.

  • Professional and cultural influences.

Why Attitudes Matter for Civil Engineers (BOK2)#

  1. Attitudes significantly influence individual and group achievements.

  2. Teaching attitudes is a standard practice in professional education.

  3. Positive attitudes enhance workplace effectiveness and relationships.

  4. Civil engineers with positive attitudes improve public perceptions of the profession and their career prospects.

Discussion Prompt:

  • Do you think attitudes matter? Why or why not?

Theory of Planned Behavior / Reasoned Action#

The Theory of Reasoned Action posits that behavior is determined by:

  1. Attitude toward the behavior.

  2. Subjective norms (beliefs about how others view the behavior).

  3. Perceived behavioral control (belief in one’s ability to perform the behavior).

Key Takeaways:#

  • Behavior is best predicted by intention.

  • Intention is influenced by attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived control.

  • The more favorable these factors, the stronger the intention to perform the behavior.

Attitudes That Support Civil Engineering Practice#

BOK2 Examples:#

- Commitment

- Confidence

- Consideration of Others

- Curiosity

- High Expectations

- Honesty

- Integrity

- Intuition

- Good Judgment

- Optimism

- Persistence

- Positiveness

- Respect

- Self-esteem

- Sensitivity

- Thoughtfulness

- Thoroughness

- Tolerance

- Fairness

BOK3 Examples:#

Professional attitudes include

Other professional attitudes include

Creativity

Commitment

Curiosity

Confidence

Flexibility

Empathy

Dependability

Entrepreneurship

Fairness

Honesty

Integrity

Optimism

Persistence

Respect

Key Professional Attitudes (BOK3)#

  • Creativity: Solving complex engineering problems that lack obvious solutions.

  • Curiosity: Gaining new knowledge and fostering creativity.

  • Flexibility: Adapting to diverse teams and changing environments.

  • Dependability: Being reliable and trustworthy in professional responsibilities.

Application#

Explore Your Professional Attitudes:#

  1. Are you attending the WCOE Job Fair?

    • (It’s held in February and September each year.)

    • Its a requirement of this course (even if you have a job, get as much SWAG as you can, and a lunch where someone else cleans up the mess)

  2. Consider:

    • What positive professional attitudes do you hold?

    • How might you communicate these to a prospective employer?

    • Can you think of examples or illustrations?

    • Willing to share? (Class participation encouraged.)

Warning

I am hardly qualified to give advice, but here are some tips if you are having a crummy day - notice none involve “adult beverages” or other chemical crutches!

Strategies to Improve a (Temporary) Bad Attitude#

  1. Pause and Reflect:

    • Take a moment to step away from the situation causing frustration or negativity.

    • Use deep breathing, meditation, or a short walk to reset your mindset and regain perspective.

    • Tip: Ask yourself, “Will this matter a week, month, or year from now?”

  2. Reframe Your Perspective:

    • Focus on the positive aspects of the situation or look for opportunities to learn from the challenge.

    • Replace negative thoughts with constructive ones. For example, instead of thinking, “I can’t do this,” shift to, “This is tough, but I can figure it out.”

    • Tip: Gratitude exercises, like listing three good things about your day, can help reframe your outlook.

  3. Engage in Physical Activity:

    • Physical movement releases endorphins, which improve mood and reduce stress.

    • Take a short walk, stretch, or engage in light exercise to reset both your mind and body.

    • Tip: Even a 5-minute stretch or deep breathing exercise at your desk can make a difference.

  4. Connect with Others:

    • Talk to a trusted friend, colleague, or mentor to vent or gain perspective.

    • Positive social interactions can help you feel supported and offer fresh ideas for tackling challenges.

    • Tip: Sometimes just expressing your frustration to someone who listens can help dissipate it.

  5. Break Down Tasks:

    • Overwhelm can often lead to a temporary bad attitude. Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

    • Focus on completing one thing at a time to build a sense of accomplishment and regain motivation.

    • Tip: Celebrate small wins along the way to maintain momentum.

  6. Use Humor:

    • Find ways to laugh, even in difficult situations. Humor can provide a quick mental reset and lighten the mood.

    • Watch a short funny video, share a joke, or find something in the situation to smile about.

    • Tip: Keeping a lighthearted attitude can prevent small frustrations from escalating.

End of Section#

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