I took a little survey amongst my peers at work who I speak with 1-5 times a week about areas of mine which could use improvement. What can I do better at? Where do I struggle?
“Well, you’re a little scattered.” “You ask me questions about topics we have already discussed.” “Sometimes I can tell you are typing while I am talking to you.”
How insulting! Do I really make people feel this way? I wouldn’t want to do business with someone who wasn’t listening while I speak.
We all do it: multitask. We are praised for efficiency and completing a lot in the smallest amount of time. Yet, cutting corners while on the phone can lead to unintentional results, leaving friends, clients, and peers feeling unimportant.
I decided ENOUGH! I live presently, aware in each moment in my daily life. I am going to bring the awareness to the phone during conversations.
HERE IS WHAT I DID TO PAY ATTENTION ON THE PHONE: I bought a while marble heart. I collect hearts so it wasn’t that weird. I keep it at my desk and whenever I get on the phone, I hold the heart. It’s a rule, when I’m holding the heart, I am fully focused on my phone conversation. Not to mention, I cannot type if I am holding the heart.
It works! I have found my conversations have been awesome! It’s difficult enough to connect with someone over the phone versus face-to-face. Buy a heart, a rock, a troll, whatever! Keep it at your desk, pick it up, and ensure NO ONE questions your attentiveness again!
Tagged as: branding, small business
