New Managers

Attention and why it matters

The main idea

It's known that individuals respond to good quality attention; it brings out the best in them. Does this take a lot of time? No - we are talking here about moments, moments when the person feels your full attention.

How can you develop this? Give yourself a few moments in the day when you think about a specific individual, wonder what it's like to be them. Give yourself another few moments when you focus your attention fully on yourself in a still way, noticing what it's like to be you right now.

Good quality attention - what does it take?

Try these activities:

1. Practice active listening. This is an invaluable skill that you can learn. It takes no more time to listen effectively than ineffectively. When a person is taking to you, listen to what they say in such a way that you really hear them. Several things can hold you back from listening well to someone such as:

planning your answer,
seeing whether or not you agree with what they say,
thinking about something else,
waiting for your chance to speak,
and many more.

What specifically hinders you from listening well? Check yourself the next time that someone is talking to you.

Show that you are listening both by your body language and small comments. When they finish what they are saying, say something that shows you have heard what they are saying, before you make a comment of your own.

2. At least once a day practice attention, recognition, acceptance and value. This means that once a day when you are dealing with another person notice who they are, recognise them as an individual, accept them as being the person they are who has their own history.

This doesn't mean that you let them do what they want; it does mean that as their manager you are dealing with them as a real person whose potential you value.

3. Practice this for yourself as well.

Reflect on the person you are - pay some attention to yourself

Who are you? What makes you the individual you are?
What have your struggles and achievements been?
Give yourself credit for what you have done so far in your life.

Why this matters

Given high quality attention at the appropriate moments, individuals feel better, work better, and put their energies into doing well. You can do this for others, and remember to do it for yourself as well.

Another important thought

What do you pay most attention to during the day? How often do you check whether you are putting your attention where it really matters in terms of managing effectively?