The 90/10 Rule says that 90% of success in business and in life comes from attitude, self-image, and self-discipline. Only 10% comes from knowledge. This is also one of Aptica’s core values. This notion may seem odd after all the times I’ve talked about how much time Aptica staffers have to spend learning about what’s new and progressive while also learning about what’s newly dangerous and costly. We do have to do that. But the 90/10 rule specifies “for success in business and in life.” You see, there is computer world and there is business world and there is everyday life. We must be able to toggle back and forth between the worlds or all our impressive knowledge is not helpful.
The Unfortunate Stereotype of Geek-People
Hasn’t each of us disliked a company IT tech at least once in our business careers? It was that guy who came grudgingly when called, would not make eye contact, then spoke to you as if you comprehended user problems at about toddler level. When he finally slouched away, he had not told you either what was wrong or how it had happened. You were left feeling the dread of having to call for help again soon. Ugh. I’d rather quit and find another job. Here is what you need to know: those days should be over. If your IT person does not see him/herself as a professional consultant akin to a lawyer, doctor, or even pastor then maybe your computer woes won’t be fixed. You don’t expect to know how to fix your car anymore, right? Same with computers. Trust the trained professionals.
It Is About Attitude, Self-Image, And Self-Discipline (Cue eye-roll but it’s true)
Attitude is defined as “a relatively enduring organization of beliefs, feelings, and behavioral tendencies. (Mixed sources.) We learn attitudes growing up. We emulate the attitudes of our parents. We can assimilate the attitudes of our friends and our teachers. As we grow into adulthood and take on responsibilities like owning a business and having a family, we shed many prior attitudes and keep those that work better for being successful in both. We all will have positive attitudes, negative attitudes, and even some neutral attitudes. In IT work, we must have a positive attitude about being able to resolve your computer issues, and a neutral attitude about whether the Devil himself has taken over your dysfunctional network or not.
Self-Discipline—Is It Inherent Or Can It Be Learned?
Happy is the day that, while training a new employee, I see evidence of self-discipline. Throwing a fit never fixes anything in Information Technology. Responding harshly when asked “are you close to being finished yet?” does not create trust for people in support services. Self-discipline balances attitude and self-image, creating a trifecta for success in business. Maybe your attitude isn’t the best one day, but you still know who you are (self-image) and what you can do (self-discipline.) That is the day you keep your mouth shut and focus on showing up and doing good work. This is true whether you are reassembling an enormous but compromised network, or whether you are taking food orders in a restaurant, or standing in the front of a classroom. The 90/10 rule for success in business: 90% depends on your attitude, your self-image, and your level of self-discipline. Some days only 10% depends on how much you know.
At Aptica, Information Technology is our specialty, and we excel. Good business relationships are our highest aspiration, and we work on those skills daily. Give us a call if that sounds like the kind of support company you want as a partner. We speak normal words and use regular sentences, and we always answer your questions until you are satisfied.
Jason Newburg, 260.243.5100, ext 2101, is the founder and owner of Aptica LLC. This IT management and support company has been serving small to medium-sized businesses for 19 years in the region that includes Angola, South Bend, and Fort Wayne, IN, Battle Creek, MI, and Toledo OH.