HELLO??? Did You Even Hear What I Just Said?

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!