A positive attitude is considered to be an essential characteristic of a civil servant who is often required to function under extreme stress. What contributes to a positive attitude in a person?

Attitude according to Harvard Scholar Michael Sandel are habits of the heart. A positive attitude of a civil servant is central to ensure efficient functioning in light of day-to-day governance challenges, conflicting priorities and ethical dilemmas. Civil servants have to exemplify good leadership skills within their organisation as well as in society. They have to be visionaries who are not distraught by challenges and can persevere against them. 

What contributes to positive attitude in person?

1. Socialisation at home with mythological stories like Mahabharat, Ramayana, Jatakas which all emphasise the victory of good over evil

2. Socialisation at school through sports and collective participation which helps individuals develop healthy, positive attitudes.

3. Role modelling by celebrities also help support a positive attitude towards various things. E.g.: Neeraj Chopra as a role model for youth

4. Regular exercise, meditation, physical and mental well-being enables people to sail through adversities with a positive attitude. 

5. Positive messaging through cinema and media also helps with building positive attitude in people. 

Attitudes are made up of affective, cognitive and behavioural aspects and therefore positive attitude building must focus on all the three components through positive life stories, autobiographies, media messaging as well as role modelling. Therefore, positive attitude is a sine qua non for a civil servant as well as for any individual who wants to succeed.