Articles
Are You There?
Have you ever experienced having a conversation with someone who seemed preoccupied or was easily distracted ... who just didn't seem to 'be there' with you? Perhaps they had a 'glazed over' look that indicated their thoughts were elsewhere, or maybe their eyes incessantly followed every sound or movement around them. If so, can you remember how that made you feel?
Probably not very important or valued I suspect.
Interestingly, people crave attention; it's a basic human need. In today's busy world however, they often don't get enough of it ... not REAL attention anyway.
Now I'm sure this won't come as a total surprise to you but customers are people ... and so are your work teammates, and your family ... so it stands to reason that they probably crave and appreciate attention too!
This may surprise you though. Whatever your business, position, or social status, you have a wonderful ability to give an amazing gift. It's a magical gift and costs nothing to give. It's the gift of your complete and total attention ... and you can give this gift to anyone you choose. You can give it to your customers and your workmates. You can give it your family, friends, and even total strangers.
How do you give this wonderful gift? ... It's really very simple.
When you meet someone, smile warmly while looking directly and respectfully into their eyes. When you speak with someone, focus ALL your attention on them. Don't be distracted by sights or sounds or allow your attention to wander. Listen with genuine interest and an intention to truly understand. Be engaged in the conversation; provide feedback.
Don't think of what may be happening elsewhere. Don't think of what else you could or should be doing now, what you did or didn't do earlier, or what you might have to do later. Don't think of what you'll say next at the first opportunity. Instead, quiet your conscious mind and really, really be with this person. Be still inside, calmly in this moment, allowing no other thoughts. Be present.
Although this does require concentration and practice initially, being present with people soon becomes second nature. And without question, it is one of the most important and valuable skills you will ever develop ... not just for business, but in every area of life.
So ... until now, how good have YOU been at being present?
After honest reflection, if you feel you have room for improvement, take this challenge. Invest the next 30 days in forming a new 'being there' habit. Practice ... and then look forward with anticipation to the positive benefits you'll experience in all your relationships.
To your success,
Reg Neufeld
Growing Into Success Training
Email to Friend 
Print This Page
