As I have said before, attitude has a lot to do with success in the workplace.  It pretty much trumps skill in a lot of jobs.
But another talent, almost unrecognized but always appreciated, is an ability to take any negative thing and make it into a positive.   Surely you know someone like this.  It is not just that they are positive thinkers, it is more than that.  This person is literally almost never stumped, never says “I give up” and always has found ‘nother way ’round the barn.  Every problem has a solution, they say.

So, how do you get to be a chicken salad maker?  Alas, poor Brutus, ….that is the  question.

Five tips:

1.  Be creative.  What other problem is similar to this one?  How was that one solved?  Brainstorm.

2.  Don’t wallow around in the problem area too long.  Some people keep stirring the problem bucket until it really starts to stink.  Recognize and define the problem but don’t add to it.  Work on a fix, fast.

3.   If one solution is good, three is better.  Think multiple solutions and choose the best option.  Think you have THE right solution?, take a deep breath and ‘plus’ it with one more element or thought.

4.  Don’t be hesitant about sharing your chicken salad idea.  Even in its rough form, try it out on someone.  Don’t think it has to be perfect quite yet.

5.  Do it enough and you will get more and more chances to develop this skill.

You won’t see this on any resumes, but I want chicken salad makers in every level of my company.