Many years ago I watched two United States senators "work" a room full of constituents. The first senator rapidly and efficiently made his way around each table introducing himself and shaking hands with every person there. When he came to me I noticed as he shook my hand he was looking at the person next to me to whom he quickly moved.
The second senator didn't make it to everyone. But I noticed that he looked each person in the eye, and when he spoke to me I felt the impact of his focused attention as we briefly spoke.
Who do you think had the most impact that day? Who do you suppose had the most significant and successful political career? The second senator of course!
As business owners we have an almost unbelievable number of distractions. We have so many things to do, and so many people to deal with, it seems impossible to give any one person or task our completely undivided attention. There are simply too many people to see and things to do. Or at least it seems that way.
But the most successful business people operate more like senator number two while those mired in mediocrity more closely resemble senator number one. The truth is to be really and truly successful requires focus. And, it requires presence.
Presence is the thing that happens when you really pay attention to one person, or one task at a time. It requires setting aside everything else and devoting your entire attention. That seems incredibly hard to do in today’s fast-paced environment, doesn't it?
It’s hard - but the payoff is huge. Your best customers, employees and vendors will be those with whom you have the strongest relationship. Strong relationships take time to develop. You must pay attention and choose to leave other things undone to delve deeply with the few.
Senator number two didn't see everyone that day so long ago. But, those he did talk to remember him and encounter in a much different way than superficial senator number one. I'd bet my life on it!
How about you? How do you insure your complete focused presence with those most important to your business and your life?
