Psssst...
May I have your ATTENTION for a moment?!
Blog by
Mariël Ganzeboom
Ah, great, thank you. I love having your full attention. Don’t you, too? Because you also know what genuine and complete attention does for you. You grow and feel confident. With all the consequences that come with it: You dare to develop yourself. I love that. The power of attention, something so simple. But what happens if you don’t get it? Do you become insecure? Do you feel unheard? Do you wither away?
An ABC...
It’s incredibly important that you receive the well-deserved attention within your work environment. From your manager, from your colleagues. And don’t forget to give attention yourself too. What you give, you get back. Try it! See what happens to you and your (work) environment. Who knows, it might be as easy as ABC!
Attention: the key instrument for connection
Something seemingly simple like genuine interest really impacts people. Even when it comes to simple things. How are you? How’s everything at home? How’s work? Tell me! People open up, start to shine, and dare to be more vulnerable. Genuine attention is the key instrument for connecting with people. It’s no coincidence: What you give attention grows.
Do you give your colleagues and employees enough attention? Do you know what makes them happy? What they need to feel passionate and engaged at work? Whether they have ambitions to grow and further develop? Not completely? Then it’s high time for some vitamin A.
The power of attention!
The power of attention starts with real contact. Real attention is looking at and listening to someone honestly, openly, and without judgment. In genuine attention, there is no room for judgment or prejudice. By creating this connection, you bring out the best in people. And how wonderful, also in yourself. That takes courage. You show a part of yourself. And that is pretty vulnerable.
Actually, an appraisal interview is also a form of attention. Or a development conversation. Formats in which you can systematically channel attention. Tools to discuss topics like ambitions, development opportunities, job satisfaction, etc. The happiest employees are in the right place in the right organization. There are all sorts of tools for discovering this, such as assessments, personal coaching or maybe even a workshop on sustainable employability.
Attention and Engagement sum up to Commitment
Do you feel energetic? Valued and stimulated in your work environment? Then you probably have a coaching manager. Very often, your engagement depends on that. Do you also appreciate getting recognition, support, and feedback from your colleagues? And your manager? I do. I thrive on that. An inspiring work environment is very important to me. I find myself telling people enthusiastically at parties that I work for MEPD: ‘The best career development agency in the Netherlands. It’s fantastic to see both people and companies discover and grow their potential. And I get to contribute to that!’
Is that engagement? Yes. Commitment? Yes. And pride! I am glad that I get the space to develop, that I am allowed and encouraged to share my opinion, and that I am challenged to be the best version of myself. What about you? I’m quite curious!
Don’t underestimate the power of Attention!
Do you see how relatively easy it is to influence engagement and commitment? Discuss career opportunities within your organization. Make resources available to carry out your role even better. Try job crafting; are there parts of your job you enjoy less? Maybe someone else would love those! Everything starts with ATTENTION… Don’t underestimate it!
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Will you let me know? Give me a little attention 🙂
Attention tools
Want to know which ‘Attention tools’ are available? For employees and/or managers to create an inspiring work environment? Where engagement and commitment are second nature? Then feel free to contact one of our consultants.
We would be happy to discuss the various possibilities with you thoughtfully!
Mariël Ganzeboom
Communication marketing advisor
My motivation to inspire and touch people (storytelling; for example in my blogs on LinkedIn) is challenged daily. That brings a great deal of satisfaction and energy.
