Be Prepared To Be Nowhere Else Today

"If You Don't Create Change, Change Will Create You"

I'm currently reading Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott.  One of the principles discussed in the book that most resonates with me is to be here, prepared to be nowhere else.

As leaders we have hundreds of conversations each day with a variety of stakeholders.  Often we are having multiple conversations at the same time.  We are also guilty of emailing, reading, or working while we are having those conversations.  The problem with multitasking is that it takes away from the conversation that you are having with the person.

Success in life (work, relationships, etc.) occurs one conversation at a time.  Similarly, failure also occurs one conversation at a time.  Your challenge (if you choose to accept it) is to practice being present in all of your conversations today.

This means putting down the blackberry, turning off your email, etc.  Give the person that you are speaking to your undivided attention.  Speak and listen as if this is the most critical conversation that you will have in your life.  You never know.  It truly could be the conversation that pushes your organization forward.