Problem: Paying Attention in Long Meetings
Ever get antsy or restless in meetings? Once someone begins to feel this way it can be easy to miss important points during the meeting.
Strategy:
Bring an object with you into meetings - a small ball to roll in your hands, a tactile Koosh ball to squeeze, a pen to twirl through fingers, paper for doodling. A pen and paper are also helpful to use to take notes or jot down any thoughts, questions, or ideas that pop into your head during the meeting. One reader found that if she can stand up in meetings it helps to refocus. Another shared that it helps to flex and wiggle her toes around in her shoes.Problem: Missing Important Details in Conversations
One reader shares her challenge:
“I have a boss who is a really nice guy, but he thinks out loud to work through processes, so when I talk to him about stuff I have to try to pull out of his 10,000 words what his message is, or is he telling me to do something, or am I not listening, etc. Then if I miss something he said that ... might be a due date or a direction he expects, he comes back and says, why did you not do this or that, and I am like 'what, you never set a deadline or came to a conclusion!'”
Strategy:
Several readers find that it helps to ask others to communicate these important details through email. Others use notes to write down information during conversations. Make sure you are getting the details correctly. Get clarity. “So you expect me to do such and such and you want it done by this date.”If you tend to lose focus while someone is talking to you, try to paraphrase back what is said periodically during the conversation. This keeps you active and involved and helps assure that you are getting and understanding the important points the person is trying to convey.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking a person to repeat what he has said. If you catch yourself drifting during a conversation and realize you have no idea what was just said, simply ask for it to be repeated.
Problem: Noise from Others Creates Distractions
One reader shared that this is actually a double-edge sword.
“My greatest struggles have been distractions from others in my office… not really that they are trying to distract me, but when there are several people in here and people are interacting with each other, I find it difficult to concentrate on my own work. Other times, when I'm totally alone, I find it difficult to keep on task because there is no outside noise and my head begins making its own noise!”
Strategy:
If possible, request a private office and shut the door to block out the distractions from others. If this isn’t possible, ask to be placed in a spot away from the hustle and bustle of the main work area. Of course, these options aren’t always available. Many have found ear plugs, white noise, and soft music to be helpful.Problem: Overall Disorganization and Forgetfulness
Strategy:
Get into the habit of actively using large calendars, day planners, PDAs, daily to-do lists, and routines. Stick with the strategy that works for you.“I must remember to have my notepad and calendar with me and religiously notate and also remember to actually LOOK at my notes.”
“I have to have a routine. Once my routine is off, I’m off.”
Problem: Keeping Temper Under Control When Frustrated
A reader shares:“No matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to communicate with people without getting upset and yelling. I know what I want to say, but it doesn’t come out making any sense to anyone but me. I really have struggled and get so frustrated I want to just give up and hide from everything.
Strategy:
Take a minute to slow down and gather your thoughts. If feelings become too intense, excuse yourself from the conversation until you have better control. Write things down to prepare yourself for what to say. Rehearse.“It helps me to (1) calm down and walk away from the situation and (2) write things down and give the information to my boss. Otherwise, I end up looking like an idiot and I know I am not. I am intelligent and I know it, but I just can’t seem to verbalize my thoughts.”
Additional Reading:
Strategies for Success in the Workplace
