STARVE YOUR DISTRACTION AND FEED YOUR FOCUS

“Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus.” This quote by the pioneering scientist Alexander Graham Bell underscores the importance of focus. This principle also applies to communication.

In the business world, we encounter various situations where we interact with different types of customers and audiences. To be an effective communicator, we must first focus on the communication style our customers or audience prefer. Some people like a DIRECT, result-oriented, and straightforward style. Others, who are social, enthusiastic, and enjoy a fun-loving approach, prefer an INITIATING style. Logical, precise, and fact-based individuals lean toward an ANALYTICAL style, while steady and approachable people prefer a SUPPORTING style. So, a good communicator is someone who can identify the audience and adapt their communication style accordingly. In many instances, disagreements may arise with customers or the audience during conversations. In such cases, it’s essential to be cautious and not disagree disrespectfully. The key is to maintain a solution-based communication approach rather than playing the blame game.

One of the most significant communication challenges today is that we often listen not to understand but to reply. Active listening is a critical trait of an effective communicator. Due to the advancement of electronic devices and the growth of social media, many people are frequently distracted. It isn’t considered good etiquette to check social media updates or remain glued to your cellphones during conversations or meetings.

Eagles are renowned as one of the best birds of prey due to their incredible ability to focus. They can concentrate on something as far as 5 kilometers away. Regardless of obstacles, an eagle will not shift its focus from its prey until it captures it.

In conclusion, always remember to concentrate on the step in front of you, not the entire staircase. This advice applies to both work and communication, ensuring that you focus on what’s immediately important.

Rabi Shrestha
Lumbini Toastmasters Club