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Attention and why it matters

The main idea. Good quality attention brings out

the best in people. Does this take a lot of time?

No - we are talking here about brief moments when

the person feels your full attention.

 

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.

 

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.

2. Notice what stops you Several things can trap you into not listening well to someone. You may be 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.

Check yourself the next time that someone is talking to you. What is your trap?

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

 

 

Check yourself

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?