Rena Hanks Consulting

Focus

Rena — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 19:46:53 +0000

As I found myself jumping from task to task this morning, I thought a few words on focus may be in order. The idea of multi-tasking has been debunked, but we all seem to try to juggle several things at once when we are much more efficient with one at a time. Since I talk about this in my workshops and found myself not following my own advice, I decided to get myself back on track and maybe help you as well. When faced with multiple tasks and looming deadlines, the tendency is to go faster and switch quickly between tasks. I stopped myself after doing this for an hour. I took my highest priority, gave it my full attention, then moved to the next priority and so forth. Amazingly, I was able to complete all projects and with a state of calm instead of frenzy. How do you focus?

Hearing or Listening?

Rena — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:47:59 +0000

The “Pickles” cartoon today said Earl didn’t need a hearing aid, he needed a listening aid. This resonates with me as this is an issue I deal with all the time. Really listening to what other people say instead of just preparing what you are going to say next is a skill that needs to be constantly tuned for me. The easiest way I have found is to practice “active listening” where I position myself that I may have to tell someone else what that person had to say. I let the person know I am “present” by making eye contact and giving non-verbal cues of paying attention. I occasionally paraphrase for clarification. Mainly I practice letting the person finish their whole thought before adding my own ideas on the subject.

What are your ideas on “listening” cues?