I’d like you to meet someone that I think you’ll find engaging, Edwin Martinez. Edwin is a human resources professional with over 20 years of HR experience. He also holds a Human Resources Professional Certification (PHR). His professional background has included being an entrepreneur in the message therapy industry to being a professional actor in diversity training films. He’s written several articles and also writes over at his own blog, Winning Isn’t Everything?, so check it out when have a chance. I recently asked Edwin to share some thoughts for HTM, and he was kind enough to provide this guest blog. Enjoy!
When we hear or the read the word “attitude” most people think of “bad attitude” or negativity. A Google search of the word “attitude” provides one definition: “a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways”. I want to share why professional Hispanics should walk around with an attitude!
As a Certified Human Resources Professional (PHR), I’ve been able to experience both sides of the coin in terms of my career. I have been in the HR profession for over 20 years and have held positions starting from a personnel receptionist to a human resources director. I’ve seen the effects of discrimination as well as the recognition of my talents, abilities, and skills. Today, I can look back and be proud of myself for maintaining an “attitude” throughout my professional career. Believing in myself was one of the most important steps in my professional success.
Hispanics in every industry field have an opportunity to get beyond the “glass ceiling” and knock down the walls that might block their growth and success. It’s not necessarily a lack of opportunity for Hispanics but often a lack of attitude within our own minds. Once a mindset is set to believe in all possibilities, it’s difficult to go back to a mindset of failure and defeat.
Taking advantage of every opportunity we have to increase our education should be a priority. Every Hispanic should move beyond the limits and perceptions of mediocrity. The benefits of pursuing success are not limited to Hispanic professionals. My goal here is to wake up the giant that lies within our culture; reach increased heights in our careers; and have a positive impact in our homes, our spheres, and our communities. We have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else, and it’s up to us to take advantage of them.
It’s important to present yourself as professional as possible when meeting company representatives. First impressions are always remembered and can make a big difference in your career. Address others in a respectful manner but hold your head up – be confident. Build your vocabulary to ensure you’re understood and can speak clearly. Never allow others make you feel negative. Remember, it’s your “attitude” that must be aligned to the greatness within you; not others’.
Don’t wait until you feel you’re perfect in every way before taking steps towards achieving your professional goals. Start today and build your skills gradually and see what happens when you keep the “attitude” of possibilities alive. It’s through your own quest for excellence that you’ll conquer your desired milestones. In our journey towards professional success, we’ll experience the growth and exhilaration of self-improvement as we carve out our own opportunities for greatness in spite of obstacles and impediments. Today is your opportunity dust off any past disappointments or failure and achieve your dreams by walking around with an Attitude!
Loved the article! I think Mr. Martinez has great insight and is someone who will be around for a long time! congratulations!
Judy – Thanks so much for the feedback. I think you’re right about Edwin as well!
One point that Mr. Hernandez mentioned that resonates with me and my work with college students is the fact that new professionals need to expand their vocabulary. It is key to interacting with all levels of an organization, regardless of the profession.
Indeed Betsy. Recent studies indicate that communication skills is an area where they’d like to see more development in college graduates. I think this even more important for Hispanic professionals that might indirectly incorporate self-imposed cultural barriers. Thanks for your feedback!
Great article and really true, we should not let disappointment stop us from achieving our dreams. Because a lot of times we do get very discourage and quite we let any imperfection or people’s negative comments intimidate us and stop us from exhibiting our tue potential. Great article Mr. Martinez.
Excellent, encouraging and very powerful material!
Very helpful and insightful article. As a latina woman looking to further my education and advance in my career, I appreciate these words of advice and inspiration. Congratulations!
Very encouraging words. If you don’t have a good attitude about your self and what you are capable to achieve the system will chew you up. A bad professional attitude will restrain you possibilities to succeed in any area your work. Congratulation Mr. Martinez and thank you so great article.
Thank you everyone your kinds words. I really appreciate that you took the time to comment on my article. I will continue to write inspirational messages that not only motivate but push a bit so we make no provision for vain excuses. Thanks also to Mr. Miguel Corona who is certainly a inspiration to me and invited me to write on his blog. I encourage everyone to bookmark HTM and continue to follow his blogs. They are superb!! Have an inpsiring day!
Thanks to everyone for the great feedback. Congratulations Edwin – your thoughts and insights certainly struck a cord with many readers. I’ll look forward to your next guest blog – as I’m sure everyone else will. Cheers!
Congratulations EDWIN Iknow you and your fam. for many years and that’s the way you know to express yourself, Ilike the word”actitude”that is very important….thank you for share this w/all of us I,appreciated……
Attitude, you are so right. Edwin it is the attitude that we have towards life. we as humans are choosen for excellence not for failure, it just depends on the attitude that we take. This Article for me is very important. I struggled with low self esteem and struggle with a negative attitude for a long time, But as time passed I have come to understand that no one person is greater then the other person just because, they have a higher title. We are all equal it’s just the attitude that we take to strive for excellence, in what ever goal we have in life, to give it are all, to succeed. We can do it, it’s just the desire the attitude we take. It doesn’t matter from what back round we are from. Great topic Edwin. you expressed youself so well.
@margarita matos
Hello Margarita! Thanks so much for your comment. I was surprised to see your name! Have a TREMENDO DAY!!
@Carmen Cruz
Hello Carmen! I appreciate your kind words on this article. Actually, I have been a fan your writings myself! Thank you so much and I look forward to sharing more in the future!