Biking and talking. Walking and reading. Eating and watching. Typing and listening. Texting and driving!
It doesn’t matter how awesome you are, no one can do both activities perfectly at the same time.
Multitasking. Multitasking. What comes to mind when you read that word? Some think “efficient” or “productive”. Wow! You can drive, talk to a client on the phone, eat a an apple, and locate your destination all at the same time! The word has a positive vibe to it. It’s as if those who can multitask get so much more done and work much harder than the rest.
I disagree. Multi-tasking is a bad word. It is impossible to focus all of our best undivided attention on two tasks at the same time. When we try, we can only give it half of our focus and effort. Why is that bad? Because shouldn’t everything we do (listening, talking, biking, whatever!) always get our best?! Uh, yeah!
Why else? Because it’s rude. I learned that the hard way. 3 years ago I was a multi-tasking fool! I had no clue how bad it was. I asked a coworker and mentor of mine if he had any suggestions for me as a sales person. What could I improve on the phone with my clients? “Well, Nadene, you are constantly typing while you are talking. It is so obvious you are not paying attention when your customers are talking.” What? No way! WAY.
From that moment on I made a commitment to turn away from my monitors, pick up a special heart stone so I would’t be tempted to type, and fully listen to every conversation. What happened? I learned so much more about my clients, didn’t miss sales opportunities, and connected more with each person. It was awesome!
Challenge for YOU: Become aware of how often you are doing 2 things at once. Ask yourself if you are fully giving each task your best. Try choosing one at a time and see how it goes.
It’s truly amazing how much more you enjoy a meal when you are not watching TV. It’s awesome to help a friend because you are fully paying attention to your phone conversation instead of looking at Facebook at the same time. One thing at a time gives you no choice but to full participate in the moment and give it your best. Enjoy each moment and stop multi-tasking.
Peace, Love & Sales,
Nadene
Nadene
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