The three A’s are essential principles of success in our paradigm. They coincide with the 3H’s head, heart & hands.

When one’s high achieving ability and an optimistic attitude are combined a person is capable.

When the same ability along with consistent action is combined, a person is deemed reliable.

When a person is active with a good attitude they become desirable.

When all three of these are presented in harmony and timeliness based upon moral principles, then one is operating in the zone where the three A’s flourish and support one another, this is abatact!

ab = ability / at = attitude / act = action

🔴 ABILITY

Represents what you’re capable of doing.

Keywords: Aptitude, Experience, Talent, Skill,

Definition: Ability is a person’s capacity to perform effectively, based on a combination of their natural aptitude, developed skills, learned knowledge, and practical experience. It reflects what someone is capable of doing now and their potential to grow with the right training and environment.

Key Components of Ability:

Aptitude: of natural intelligence, quickness to learn, physical coordination, or intuition in a given area

Example: mechanical aptitude, spatial reasoning, verbal comprehension

Talent: Innate strengths or gifts that make certain tasks feel more natural or effortless

Example: a natural leader, quick problem-solver, calm under pressure

Skill: Competence acquired through training, repetition, and practice

Example: wiring a panel, configuring a camera system, giving a sales pitch Knowledge Technical understanding, certifications, or education relevant to the task or role

Example: knowing code requirements, system specs, or how to use FSM/CRM platforms Experience Real-world exposure that deepens judgment, timing, and application Example: handling job site surprises, managing projects, or negotiating change orders

Why Ability Matters:

It defines what someone can do well—not just what they know. It determines how much support, supervision, or training they need to perform. It’s the foundation of trust in technical roles and leadership.

“Ability is what gets the job done right the first time. It’s where knowledge meets execution.”

Summary for OnGuard:

“At OnGuard, Ability means having the knowledge, skill, and readiness to perform with excellence. We value those who don’t just know what to do—but do it with clarity, confidence, and consistency.”

Would you like this formatted into a training guide, hiring rubric, or team evaluation form alongside Attitude and Action?

This is about competence—your potential and learned capabilities.

Q:  “Can they do the job?”

What to look for: Skills, certifications, licenses Industry-specific knowledge Hands-on experience and adaptability Learning capacity and teachability

In hiring: Assess via past experience, tests, certifications, and role-play scenarios

In daily routine: Continually improve through training, mentoring, and cross-training In promotions: Ensure they’re not just experienced, but also evolving

Quotes:

“The will to win is not nearly as important as the will to prepare to win.”
– Bobby Knight

“A person’s true ability is not measured by what they can do when it’s easy, but by what they do when it’s hard.”

“Ability is the power to do. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” – Lou Holtz

“The value of ability is in its use, not just its possession.”

“Ability will enable a man to get to the top, but it takes character to keep him there.” – Zig Ziglar

“Your ability may open the door, but your effort and discipline will keep you in the room.” – Unknown

🔵 ATTITUDE

Reflects how you approach situations and people.

Keywords: Friendly Abundant Positive Mindset

You can teach skills (ability), encourage effort (action), but mindset is often what determines whether someone is coachable, collaborative, and resilient over time.

Absolutely. Here’s a powerful, comprehensive definition of Attitude, customized for your 3A framework—Ability, Attitude, Action—especially for high-performance, values-driven environments like OnGuard Security Solutions.

Definition: Attitude is a person’s emotional posture and mental approach to people, problems, and pressure. It reflects their mindset, resilience, and relational energy—how they respond to challenges, interact with others, and carry themselves in the workplace.

It’s not just how someone feels—it’s how they show up.

Key Components of Attitude: Mindset The beliefs and assumptions that shape how someone sees work, growth, and responsibility Growth-oriented vs. fixed mindset Example: “I’ll find a way” vs. “That’s not my job.” Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and interpersonal awareness Helps manage stress, communicate clearly, and handle conflict constructively Optimism Choosing to look for solutions and progress rather than problems or excuses Example: Staying composed and hopeful in tough situations Resilience Ability to bounce back from setbacks, pressure, or criticism without bitterness or blame Example: Showing up the next day with renewed energy Positivity Bringing uplifting energy and encouragement to others Doesn’t mean fake cheerfulness—it means being solution-focused, coachable, and supportive Respect & Humility Treating others well regardless of title, background, or role Admitting mistakes and being open to feedback

Why Attitude Matters:

It affects how someone receives coaching, handles adversity, and interacts with teammates and customers Skills may open doors—but attitude determines how long you stay A poor attitude can damage culture, morale, and trust—even in high performers

“Attitude is the invisible advantage—or disadvantage—every team member carries.”

Summary for OnGuard:

“At OnGuard, Attitude means showing up with humility, grit, and gratitude. We value people who uplift others, embrace challenges, and represent our mission with positivity and emotional strength—especially under pressure.”

Q: “Will they uplift or drain the team?”

What to look for: Positivity, gratitude, team-first mindset Coachability and humility Emotional intelligence under pressure Respect for mission, values, and standards

In hiring: Screen through culture-fit interviews and behavioral questions

In daily routine: Promote praise, accountability, and transparent feedback

In promotions: Only elevate those who multiply positive culture

Quotes:

“Your attitude determines your altitude.” – Zig Ziglar

“You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude towards what you happen to.”

“It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome.” – William James

“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” – Charles R. Swindoll

“A positive attitude won’t fix everything, but it sure does better than a bad one”

🟢 ACTION

Elicits what you actually do and how you behave.

Keywords: Timeliness, Hard-work, Initiative, Motivation, Grit, Energy, Drive

Definition: The Drive to Get Things Done—with Purpose, Pace, and Persistence. Action is the combination of a person’s internal drive, energy, and follow-through that moves ideas and responsibilities into reality. It reflects how consistently and decisively someone takes initiative, pushes through obstacles, and executes with urgency and intention.

This is about execution—your energy, effort, and timeliness.

Q: “Do they follow through with urgency and ownership?”

What to look for: Initiative, follow-through, and timeliness

Problem-solving without waiting for direction

Willingness to hustle, help, and get it done Alignment with team and company goals

In hiring: Use work samples, scenarios, and reference checks

In daily routine: Celebrate effort, encourage pace, remove blockers

In promotions: Reward those who move the mission forward consistently

Key Components of Action:

1. Motivation

The internal “why”—what fuels someone to show up, engage, and care Can be intrinsic (personal fulfillment, mission alignment) or extrinsic (rewards, recognition, responsibility)

2. Energy and Force

The intensity, vitality, and tempo someone brings to their work Do they move the ball forward or wait to be told what to do?

The ability to push through resistance, boredom, or setbacks Reflected in follow-up, commitment, and “finishing what they start”

3. Drive and Determination

The internal fire to achieve goals, take ownership, and see things through Includes ambition, initiative, and hunger to improve or win

4. Persistence and Grit

5. Efficiency and Effectiveness

Efficiency: Doing things with speed and minimal waste Effectiveness: Doing the right things well, aligned with goals and priorities Great action includes both: fast, focused progress

Initiative Takes the first step—doesn’t wait to be told. Sees what needs to be done and acts.

Follow-through Completes what’s started—on time and with care. Keeps promises and closes loops.

Red Flags (Low Action):

Chronic delays or missed deadlines

Needing to be micromanaged or reminded

Quick to complain, slow to follow up

High ideas, low execution

Quotes:

“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar

“Ideas are dime a dozen but men who implement them are worth their weight in gold”

“Well done is better than well said.” – Benjamin Franklin

“Well done is better than perfectly waiting”

“Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently.”

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe

Overlapping Areas (Intersections):

🔴 + 🟢 = RELIABLE (Yellow)

When you have ability and action, you’re dependable and can be counted on to perform consistently.

Without a good attitude, one is often cranky, arrogant, self-centered and generally difficult to deal with.

🔵 + 🟢 = DESIRABLE (Cyan)

When you combine attitude and action, you’re someone others want to work with—motivated and pleasant.

Without ability, one has sufficient drive and decent personality but lacks the underlying ability to get it done efficiently and effectively. He is full of potential but consistently lacks the ability to bring it home. So close, yet so far.

🔴 + 🔵 = CAPABLE (Magenta)

When you have ability and a positive attitude, you’re well-positioned to succeed, but you still need action to produce results.

This person has the smarts and teamwork necessary but they lack the ambition, purpose but don’t get the BIG WHY behind it. They just aren’t inspired about the job, project or mission.

🔴 + 🔵 + 🟢 (Center) = AAA IDEAL TRAIT COMBINATION (Trifecta)

The center intersection implies someone who has: The skills and experience (ability) A great mindset (attitude) The drive to act (action) This person is high-performing, well-rounded, and effective.

This is operating in the zone, where steady peak performers often are.

This is the optimal spot to be.

Ability without action or attitude leads to untapped potential. Attitude without skill or execution leads to good intentions without results. Action without ability or a good mindset leads to inefficiency or burnout.

But when all three—ability, attitude, and action—are present, you get a trustworthy, competent, and high-achieving individual.

Daily 3A Self-CheckUps

Morning mantras and routine prompts:

Ability 🧠 : What can I quickly grow & steadily improve upon? Kaizen!

Attitude ♥️ : What mindset will I bring the people and projects I encounter as I transition between doorways🚪?

Action 💪🏾 : What is the NBRM (Next Best Right Move) I should take next?

Bonus

How to nurture and maintain a positive attitude

Nurturing and maintaining a positive attitude—especially in high-stress work environments like security, leadership, or service—is a daily, intentional effort. It’s like mental and emotional fitness: you can’t just have it—you need to build and protect it.

Here are the best ways to nurture and maintain a positive attitude, both personally and across your organization:

1. Practice Gratitude Daily

Write down 3 things you’re thankful for each morning and reflect upon at night. Shift focus from what’s lacking to what’s working. Encourage a “gratitude moment” in team huddles or check-ins.

Afirmation: ”I have an attitude of gratitude.”

“Gratitude turns what we have into what’s enough.”

2. Reframe Negative Thoughts

Ask: “What can I learn from this?” or “How can I grow here?” Replace complaints with constructive actions or questions. Lead by modeling optimism without denial—be hopeful and realistic.

When you catch yourself doing or saying, something negative, speak out verbally and use your hands to make a cross X X and say, “Cancel Cancel” while replacing it with something positive and effective .

“Don’t just go through it—grow through it.”

3. Surround Yourself with Positive People

Attitudes are contagious—be intentional about who influences you. Build a team culture where positivity is praised and negativity is challenged. Address energy-draining behaviors or complainers quickly.

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” —Jim Rohn

4. Start Strong / Refresh as needed

Create a morning routine that primes your mind: prayer, movement, positive input.

Use mid-day “refresh rituals” (a walk, a deep breath, a pep talk) when negativity creeps in.

End the day with wins or reflections, not regrets.

5. Speak Life

Use uplifting language—about yourself, others, and the mission. Publicly recognize positive behaviors on your team. Give genuine compliments and encouragement often.

“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth…” —Ephesians 4:29

6. Control What You Can, Release What You Can’t

Don’t dwell on external circumstances (e.g., tariffs, delays, client drama). Focus your energy on your response—attitude, effort, service. Train your team to say, “What’s the next best right move?” instead of playing the blame game.

7. Feed Your Mind with Positive Input

Read, listen, or watch something uplifting or growth-focused daily. Rotate motivational podcasts, Scripture, leadership books, or affirmations. Detox from negative news or toxic social media when needed.

8. Stay Mission-Driven

Remind yourself and your team why the work matters. Tie daily actions to a higher purpose or core values (like OnGuard’s “Professional Protection” or “There’s a Hero in Everyone”).

Purpose fuels passion—and passion sustains positivity.

9. Create Positive Systems

Incorporate a “Wins Wall” or “Shout-out Board” in the office. Use Zoho surveys or check-ins to track team morale. Include “Attitude” as part of every performance review.

10. Pray, Reflect, and Align

Spend time in reflection and Scripture. Prayer to stay grounded in faith and identity. Invite God into your daily work and mindset. Let eternal truth shape your daily attitude.

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” —Romans 12:2

Summary:

Positive attitude is not a feeling—it’s a decision to show up with purpose, energy, and grace, no matter what the day brings.

Would you like a “10 Ways to Stay Positive” printable checklist or a team version for the OnGuard League of Heroes?