Questions about the workplace

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1. What does a positive attitude mean exactly? What are employers and people in general looking for?

2. What does taking initiative mean? What are employers and people in general looking for?

3. What is the correct way that one must shake hands?

You can smile while being f**k*d over.


Finding out what the boss wants to do and then make it look like you came up with the idea independently.


Firm but not squeezing, no sweaty palms, don't linger.

Yep what above said. Guess that's how its done in Canada .

1. Employers are looking for someone who doesn't go around swearing like a drunk sailor. Someone who doesn't go around complaining and criticizing other people. Someone who is enthusiastic.
2. Seeing something and getting it done without being told what to do. When a tight deadline exists to get something done and the person responsible for getting it done can't do it (due to another project being due for that person), you stepping in and taking charge to ensure that the deadline is met.
3. Don't shake hands with another person like a fish; people will think you're not confident or serious enough. Don't shake hands with another person and break that person's hand; people will think you're too forceful.

Just my $.02

For the taking initiative part, this is where I have issues. How is one supposed to know if he is authorized or not to just simply take charge? In general, how is one supposed to know what he is authorized to do or not do?

This is another thing I do not understand. If the first person can't do it then why wouldn't there be some kind of back up plan to handle this kind of thing especially if it is a common reoccurrence? Why wouldn't there be a 2nd person automatically assigned to take charge? They have procedures in place for if something happens to the president, vice president and other leaders.

1. "How is one supposed to know if he is authorized or not to just simply take charge? In general, how is one supposed to know what he is authorized to do or not do?" First, if you know that something needs to get done, then it's your responsibility to get it done and take charge to ensure it gets done. Second, if you're working on a team and you've got your part done but waiting for that person to get his/her part done, then ask what you can do to help him/her out if you're not doing anything at the time. In a previous position I had as a cost estimator, I worked with project managers on a variety of projects. I would have my parts done or would be waiting for them to get their parts to me. Anything I could do to help facilitate the process faster so bids could be submitted to general contractors on time (because many days occurred when different project bids were being submitted to different gc's within minutes of each other - and with delays with the fax machine, etc. - made for stressful situations). This is why I don't recommend working in the construction industry for people who have Aspergers. I did whatever I had to do at the time to pay the rent, monthly bills, etc.

2. "If the first person can't do it then why wouldn't there be some kind of back up plan to handle this kind of thing especially if it is a common reoccurrence? Why wouldn't there be a 2nd person automatically assigned to take charge? They have procedures in place for if something happens to the president, vice president and other leaders." You asked why there wouldn't be a second person automatically assigned to take charge. Sure at subcontractor I worked for and such, we had backups. But, nothing was very reliable in terms of getting the help I needed sometimes. So, I made the best of those situations when they did occur. I would call the gc's and ask them if they would still accept my company's bids on projects. Sometimes, I was successful in getting extra time; sometimes, I was not. From my experience as a cost estimator, I began to think more "neurotypically" than I did earlier in my life when I was diagnosed with Aspergers.

1.) It means not coming into work acting like you want to burn the place down. Not being perpetually pissed off and snappy. Not constantly bad mouthing everything or being all doom and gloom. Basically, being someone you want to be around.

2.) Not having to be asked to do everything. Coming up with your own ideas and how to implement them. Helping others before being asked. Initiative can very depending on how much autonomy you have and your position.

3.) A good, firm shake, make eye contact.

Thanks for telling me this. Why do they use math terms for emotional states?



Is this an example of what you're talking about? Let's say I see my boss bringing stuff in for setting up for a project or presentation. Let's say I offer to help bring the stuff in and help set up. Is this a form of taking initiative?



What is a good way to gauge the firmness of the hand shake so that it is not to wimpy or to hard? Is there a tool or technique one could use?

I think I may be overthinking it. May I have some specific examples of what you did to show and take initiative if you do not mind?