Personal attention is one of the keys for collaboration. What does personal attention mean? We tend to focus on quality time with friends and family, but how can this play out at work or in a negotiation?
In general quality time can either be with an individual or with a group. Individual quality time involves one on one time with someone. What does it take? It can simply be a recognition of the individual, an inquiry into what they are doing, asking what their concerns are and taking appropriate actions while listening with empathy. Even just a few minutes with someone can have a significant impact. Especially if the other party really needs or wants to have such interactions.
It is important to look for and to build on common values. In order to build on common values it is necessary to look for and explore common values. For example, topics such as spouses, children, grandchildren, pets, sports, travel or other areas of common interest. Individuals appreciate when others truly listen and know that you are focusing attention on the individual. Others want to be listened to. They want to share their insights and feel that they have been heard. Ask questions. Really listen and consider their input. Make them feel they have been listened to. Show you care. Be empathetic.
Group collaboration involves working with a larger team on specific activities. Spending time with this group on both work and outside of work activities is important. This can be with and without the leader of the group. This is particularly favored with millennials with activities both with and without the boss. Hanging out together is both fun and bonding. Hanging out together also helps to reduce stress. Keep in mind activities may be volunteer activities, social activities or others. Be sure and ask the group what they may want to do. Ideas from the team are received much better by team members many times than the boss coming up with all of the ideas.
Paul White in his article 5 Languages Spotlight Quality Time offers insights besides recognition. He suggests spending time with someone goes a long way. Think about this with your peers, associates, boss, subordinates and various stakeholders. Look for opportunities to spend quality time with others. You may be surprised at how well this works.
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