We are bombarded with messages every day from brands, employers, clients, friends, and family members. With so much coming our way through our screens, it’s understandable that we begin to tune out the noise—anything that we don’t deem worthy of our attention. Yet attention is what you need when you want to teach, motivate, or persuade.
But you won’t earn anyone’s full attention if you’re not willing to give them yours.
Here are 6 tips to help:
- Demonstrate your commitment to being present and in the moment by giving your full attention to others.
- Expect the attention of others in return, and kindly ask for it if you’re not getting it. A simple, “Let’s all focus on the task at hand without interruption” should send the message.
- Listen more and speak less.
- Listen to what’s not being said.
- Be open to a different perspective.
- Be clear, concise, direct, and kind in your responses.
Anything else we should add to this list? Tell me in the comments.
Mike,
I love this. Keep up the great content.
Thanks for your feedback and encouragement Seth! I appreciate it.
Great reminder. Like all good exercises in mindfulness, it takes energy to center your attention to the person and conversation in front of you. Nevermind the buzzes and beeps of our apple haptics. Sometimes all it takes is a simple internal reminder to stop, focus and listen!! The pause…..the amplifying effect of those simple human moments can be profound! Thanks for the prompt.
That simple internal reminder (stop, focus, listen) is exactly what we need to practice – so it becomes easier to do in our daily interactions. You’re welcome for the prompt Lauri, and thank you for contributing to the conversation!