I sat in a dark theater a while back listening to the pre-show announcements. The final words before curtain were, "Please refrain from using your electronic device during the performance. It not only distracts other patrons but may affect the performers on stage." A similar announcement was made at a recent networking event prior to the guest speaker taking the stand.

Listening seems to have gotten away from us. No, really. I am guilty of this bad habit, myself. Nowadays, not only do minds wander but so do hands..., how many of you check email or twitter or text messages while you are sitting in a meeting? Or while on the phone with a client? If you say never, I may be inclined to disbelieve.

I don't think it is reprehensible, but it is distracting and removes you from the task/person at hand. And it shows a lack of respect. Why do we do it? I think we are still a bit fascinated by all the gadgetry at our finger tips but there is more. I think, given the economy that we are currently surviving, we are afraid of missing something, maybe the next big one or the big one. Missed opportunities line our path each day, each moment even. What do you miss while wondering what you missed?

Not wanting to miss an opportunity and being eager to respond are good but what else to we miss? When we fail to listen, we fail to catch nuances and chances to earn respect. We all know how important eye contact is when speaking to someone face-to-face or when addressing a crowd. I mean, if you were standing before someone who refused to look directly at you while conversing, how long would that encounter last?

So..., if eye contact is so important, why wouldn't ear contact be just as? Put the device down. Lean back in your chair and remove your hands from your keyboard. Pay attention and you just might catch the next big one as it crosses right in front of you, instead of wondering what you missed as it passed you on by.






by rayannethorn


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