W.I.N. Wednesday: Give wisely.
"One of the greatest gifts you can give to anyone is the gift of your attention."
Jim Rohn
How often have you been talking to someone and wanted to yell, “Just pay attention. Just listen.”
One of the best ways to pay attention is to listen. Really listen. Not the usual thing we do where we are thinking about what we are going to say next, but listen.
Listen to the words. Listen for the emotion. Listen for what is not being said. Ask open ended questions, then listen some more. Ask more questions and listen again. That, is one of the greatest ways you can give the gift of attention.
I have a friend who is a great person with a big heart but, frustrates the hell out of people because he does not listen. The unwillingness to listen and give people your attention not only frustrates them, and makes them feel unimportant and unheard, it hampers your effectiveness as a leader, a mentor, a friend, a parent or a spouse.
The gift of your attention requires you put away your phone, ignore the dings, beeps and vibrations. That text message can likely wait. That new Facebook post or e-mail is not as important as the person in front of you. And yes, we can hear you typing, cooking, cleaning, and doing all those other things when we are talking to you on the phone so stop doing them and pay attention.
If now is not a good time, then say so. Tell the person you really want to listen to what they have to say but now is not a good time. Then find a time that is good for both of you and when that time comes – Pay Attention to Them.
What’s Important Now? - The gift of attention is the result of giving someone the gift of your time. Both are valuable. Give wisely.
Take care.
Brian Willis
www.lifesmostpowerfulquestion.com
Maximizing human potential through Life's Most Powerful Question - What's Important Now?
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