"Paying attention is how we show love". A quote I heard from a character in the show my husband and I have been watching, but as soon as I heard it I thought... Yes, that is so true!
What are we paying attention to? What are the consequences of not paying attention? How does paying attention positively affect us and those around us?
"What you do with your attention is in the end what you do with your life."
~ John Green
Now you could think of this in a personal aspect. Paying attention to our significant others, our kids, our friends... Showing love by paying attention to their wants and needs, the things they talk about and dream about.
And of course, paying attention to your own wants, needs, thoughts and feelings.
But how can we look at this concept through a professional lens?
Well, for starters...
Paying attention to your goals at work. What do you want to achieve? What have you been working towards?
Perhaps you have been wanting to find a way to grow in your career...
But you've not paid much attention to this little thought bubble popping up, because you're unsure of the "what, where and how" part of the equation, afraid of rocking the boat...
The consequence? You stay where you are, feeling miserable, stressed, stuck. Perhaps resenting yourself or those around you for your circumstances.
But,
if you pay attention to your hope, or actually your want for career growth, you could find that it has a positive effect...
Such as:
You actually go for it! You ask for the promotion, you look out for the right career change opportunities, you go after the learning and development necessary to grow. In turn, you feel excited for what the future holds, your relationship with yourself and others improves... And maybe you even find yourself paying attention to more in your life than you did before.
Another scenario:
The organization as a whole has
not been paying attention to employee wellness and development, which in turn leads to...
• Decreased productivity
• Increased conflict
• Lack of motivation
• Higher turnover rate
The list could go on, but you get the gist of it...
The positive effect of paying attention this case?
• Greater productivity and teamwork
• Improved conflict prevention and resolution abilities
• Motivated and resilient staff
• Happy employees = happy customers
So, are you ready to pay attention to the things that matter and bring about positive change?
We could also simplify this concept even more and look at it
as being mindful of what we spend our time and energy on. Because it does matter! Focus on what brings you joy and supports your growth!
I say, show yourself and others that love...
"Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness and the happiness of others."
~ Israelmore Ayivor, Dream Big!: See Your Bigger Picture!
Staff Training is a South African soft skills training provider with more than 60 workshops on offer.
Email us at
info@StaffTraining.co.za for more info or give us a call at 0861 996 660
