
Amidst the dynamic world of self-employment, where opportunities arise and obstacles persist, one often-overlooked aspect can significantly influence productivity, team dynamics, and overall success: attitude. A positive attitude isn't just a pleasant trait to have; it's a powerful force that can transform the work environment, boost morale, and propel individuals and teams toward achieving their goals.
The Ripple Effect of Attitude
It's important to recognize that attitudes are contagious. Just as negativity can spread like wildfire, so too can positivity. A single individual with a positive attitude can uplift an entire team, sparking a chain reaction of motivation, creativity, and collaboration.

Heather Deatz exemplifies the essence of positivity and resilience in the workplace, making her the well-deserved recipient of the 2024 Core Value Award for Attitude. Her unwavering optimism, coupled with a solutions-oriented mindset, has not only inspired her colleagues but also transformed the work environment for the better. Heather's ability to approach challenges with a can-do attitude and her willingness to go above and beyond have made her an invaluable asset to the team. Her recognition as the recipient of the Attitude award is a testament to her outstanding contributions and serves as an example of the power of positivity in driving success.
“Heather is always the first person to volunteer to help out the other agents on the team, always with a positive attitude. Heather is always smiling and positive, even when things aren't going her way. I honestly don't know anyone else who exemplifies the Core Value of Attitude more than Heather Deatz. She has infected our team with a spirit of positivity with her can-do attitude and makes everyone want to give their best. Heather has been an amazing blessing to me, my agency, and to all of Equis. We are all better off because of the fighting spirit and positive attitude that Heather Deatz brings to work each and every day." -Lori Martin, Vice President & Silver Elite Producer
Here are a few practices Heather utilizes to cultivate a positive attitude:
Try to always position yourself to see things in a positive light.
Practice gratitude and surround yourself with other positive people that want the best for everyone on your team.
Think in the present, be thankful, plan your day, get outside when it’s nice, chat with friends/coworkers, and help others.

Creating a culture of positivity begins with leadership but flourishes through collective effort.
As an agency leader, the following strategies are crucial for success amongst your team of independent agents:
Lead by Example:
As a leader, you establish the culture and atmosphere within your agency. By embodying optimism, resilience, and a proactive problem-solving approach, you inspire other independent agents to adopt similar attitudes and work ethic.
Encourage Open Communication:
Creating a transparent and supportive communicative environment builds trust and empowers your agents to freely express their ideas, concerns, and feedback. Ensuring that they feel heard and respected fosters a positive outlook and strengthens team collaboration.
Recognize and Reward Positivity:
Acknowledging and celebrating individual and team accomplishments reinforces positive behaviors and motivates your agents to strive for excellence. Whether through formal recognition programs or personalized gestures of appreciation, recognition boosts morale and encourages a continued positive outlook.

Provide Opportunities for Growth:
Investing in the professional development of your agents not only enhances their skills but also demonstrates that you value their growth and success. Supporting them in their professional journey fosters a sense of purpose and optimism, driving motivation and commitment.
Foster Work-Life Balance:
Promoting a healthy work-life balance is essential for the well-being of independent agents. Encourage them to prioritize their personal lives alongside their professional commitments to prevent burnout and maintain overall positivity and productivity within your agency.