Kemptville Stress Relief Centre’s Post

“Disconnect to connect.” Such a simple action that can change how you connect with others.

It’s the little things

The message conveyed by leaving your phone out of sight during a meeting is powerful: Undivided Attention: It signals that you are fully present and giving the other person your complete focus. Respect and Value: It shows that you value the person's time and consider the interaction important enough to warrant your full attention. Prioritizing Connection: It demonstrates a commitment to genuine human connection, putting aside distractions to engage in meaningful conversation. This simple act can significantly enhance the quality of your interactions and leave a lasting positive impression on the people you meet with.

So true! This can be really difficult professionally if your job depends on being connected and available for many electronically. Try to find time, even if short purposeful bursts. Oh and make eye contact 👀 even if you suffer from the super hero power also known as ADHD. #bepresent #focuseddisconnection #purposefulconnection

Such a simple, but powerful piece of advice.

I'm guilty of this! Not just in person but on virtual meetings too. I'm aware of it and try to be intentional about putting my phone aside and hide things I know will be distractions when I'm meeting with someone. It's hard and I still struggle with this but I'm trying because when I'm able to "disconnect to connect" as Simon says the meeting is better. I'm able to be fully present, show that I care, actually hear the other person. Setting my phone to silent instead of vibrate and placing it face down are two of the ways I find most helpful. Another thing I've started to do is be intentional about note taking, maybe not note taking is a better way to describe it. I don't take notes without pausing to say I want to capture that or let me write that down (something like this) so the other person knows I'm taking a break to capture what they said or the idea that sparked as a result of the conversation. I find this helps the other person know I'm still engaged with them even though I might look like I'm doing something else.

Digital notifications trigger a release of dopamine, creating a sense of anticipation and addiction, leading people to close check their phones compulsively in anticipation of new notifications. (Santa Maria College). We're all familiar with the lesson learned about going on a date with someone who is constantly checking their phone. Their actions show how important, or unimportant, we are to them. However, we often treat others we value the same when in different social settings. We pause while having discussions with team members at work, and maybe even at home. Have we simply developed a habit of simply checking notifications? The sender of the message we're checking deserves our best. And so do the people in front of us. Let's make a change, and give everyone our best!

It’s the little things that can be very powerful.

This is so true! There is something about a phone on the table or in someone's hand, that just takes some of the attention away from the conversation and leaves the other person feeling like they are not important enough. I have been guilty of putting my phone on the table in meetings, with the cover on so that I dont see messages coming in. But listening to Simon here just reminds me that even when I am in meetings (both virtual and in-person) with people, and their phones are visible, it does make me feel like they are wanting to be somewhere else. I am always challenged to lead in a better way, and am challenged to change my behaviour in this respect. So I challenge us all, as leaders, that when you are in a meeting with someone / some people, to leave you phone in your bag and give your full attention to the people in that (virtual / physical) room. #AuthenticLeadership #LeadingByExample #BeConnectedInConversation #DisconnectToConnect