Have you ever been in a meeting with somebody who is not paying attention to you or what you’re saying?
Of course you have.
How about the time when you were in a face-to-face conversation with somebody, and they suddenly get a text, which of course they immediately answer right in the middle of your sentence?
Perhaps you’re having dinner with somebody, and their phone goes off. They immediately reply to the text … and keep texting for several minutes while you sit there staring at your food. You know that they’re not paying a lick of attention to you. They’re smiling and laughing as they reply to the text.
How does that make you feel?
Or that phone call you were on the other day and the person you were speaking to sounded distracted? We’ll ignore the fact that you could hear the clicking sound as they typed something on their computer.
Makes you feel like someone else is more important than you right?
Personally I hate it when someone does that to me. It’s a pet peeve of mine.
Do that to a client and you could lose them forever.
So stop it. Give people your full attention for a few minutes.
I know it’s hard. We live in a tech world! But when you’re talking to somebody on the phone, in person, or even on zoom, please put down your technology and give people your time. Or, if you feel you have to answer, then text them back a lightening quick reply such as “I’ll get back to you in a few minutes.” When someone calls me in my office, I’ll actually turn my chair towards the window so I’m not even looking at the computer. This way I can give the caller my full attention.
Listen, you and I both understand that the person who’s doing that to you is probably not going to stop, nor are they likely to read this article.
You know it and I know it.
Do it anyway. Lead by example.
Here’s a tip… if you’re having dinner with friends/family who love to text during dinner, then have everyone put their phones in the middle of table as you sit down. Whoever picks their phone up during the meal, for any reason, has to pay the bill. Works very well!
One more thing …
If you’re typing while you’re on the phone with somebody, or you’re texting, they’re going to hear your fingers on the keys. They are going to hear the clicking sound so they know you’re not paying attention. Plus they can hear the distraction in the tone of your voice.
My advice?
Be polite when people speak to you and give them your full attention. Ignore the chirps, buzzes or rings from your phone or computer.
Until next time!
Katharine
