Drive profitability, productivity, and accountability
To create extraordinary lives, we must learn to “unplug” from the constant barrage of disruptions and “plug in” to the tools, strategies, and mindsets that allow us to harness our attention to reach our highest potential - and this book shows you how.
Attention Pays spotlights on the power of attention and absolute focus. Personally: WHO we pay attention to. Professionally: WHAT we pay attention to. And Globally: HOW we pay attention in the world - and to the world. In an on-demand, 24/7 society, where distractions cost millions of people productivity, profitability, relationships and peace, it's time to pay attention to what matters most.
- Includes powerful tips and tricks increase profitability
- Shows you how to achieve maximum accountability and results
- Provides strategies to help you productively manage daily tasks
- Offers guidance on improving your daily attention and focus
If you’re ready drive profitably, increase productivity and boost accountability, it’s time to tune out the noise, focus on what really matters and learn how Attention Pays.
Table of Contents
List of Illustrations xxi
Acknowledgments xxiii
A Love Note From Neen xxiii
About the Author xxvii
Introduction xxix
Does Your Attention Pay? xxix
The Costs of Inattention xxxi
Intention Is What Makes Attention Valuable xxxii
An Attention Revolution xxxiv
Attention Pays xxxv
Attention Is Yoga for Your Mind xxxvii
PART ONE DOES YOUR ATTENTION PAY? 1
Chapter 1 Our Attention-Deficit Society 3
Internal Factors 5
The Great Multitasking Myth 5
The “Over Trilogy” - Overwhelmed, Overstressed, and Overtired 6
Generational Differences 9
External Factors 11
Physical Environment 11
How the Media and Information Overload Changed Our Attention 12
Our Technology Addiction 14
Our Addiction to Social Media and Apps 18
Destruction of the Work-Life Boundary 21
The Costs of the Attention-Deficit Society 24
Chapter 2 Listen with Your Eyes: The Power of Intentional Attention 29
Intentional Attention 31
Conscious Versus Unconscious 31
Deliberate Versus Distracted 32
Transformational Versus Transactional 33
The Intentional Attention Model 35
Change Is Hard - But Oh So Worth It! 38
Change Your Brain 39
Change Your Focus 41
Change Your Habits 43
How to Make Your Attention Pay 47
PART TWO PERSONALLY - BE THOUGHTFUL 51
Chapter 3 Personalize Performance: Brand Building, Nido Qubein Style 53
Practice Self-Care 55
Establish a Morning Routine 56
Establish a Night Routine 57
Schedule Recovery Time 59
Set Boundaries with Your Devices and Social Media 60
Manage Your Personal Brand 62
What Does Your Personal Brand Say About You? 62
Become Your Own Publicist 65
Always Plan for the Next Opportunity 65
Find and Connect with Advocates 67
Be the Duck 68
Seek Feedback 68
Manage Your Communications 69
Grow Your Confidence 69
Be Conscious of Your Language 70
Chapter 4 Focus on VIPs: Systemize Thoughtfulness 73
Focus on Your VIPs 74
Who Needs Your Attention in Your Personal Life? 74
Who Needs Your Attention at Work? 77
The Other Kind of VIPs 79
Manage Your Communications with Others 80
Use People’s Names 80
Be a Fascinated Listener 80
Know Their Preferred Communication Style and Mode 82
Manage Your Relationships with Others 83
Step Away from the Device! 83
Create Significant Moments 84
Rev Your RAZ for Recognition 87
Implement Systemized Thoughtfulness 88
PART THREE PROFESSIONALLY - BE PRODUCTIVE 93
Chapter 5 Prioritize Your Priorities: Create Significant Moments 95
Pack Your Highest Priorities 97
Protect Your Time 99
Systemize Your Calendar 100
Defend Against Your Biggest Distraction 103
Outsource Your Life 106
Guard Your Focus 107
“No” Is a Complete Sentence 108
Bring Back the Gatekeeper 110
Fight Decision Fatigue 111
Discipline Your Use of Devices and Social Media 112
Chapter 6 Create a Culture of Attention: Stop the Madness 117
Show Them the Path and then Empower Them to Take It 118
Cultivate an Environment Where Productivity Thrives 121
Create an Agile Work Culture 121
Reduce Stress and Promote Healthy Choices 125
Stop the Meeting Madness 129
Communicate Clearly with Contextual Models 132
PART FOUR GLOBALLY - BE RESPONSIBLE 137
Chapter 7 Make an Impact: The Great (Disappearing) Barrier Reef 139
You Can Make an Impact 141
Leverage Your Leadership 143
Organizational Stewardship 144
Create a Connection 144
Being Responsible Can also Be Profitable 145
The Power of Employee Service Days 146
Chapter 8 Join the Attention Revolution 149
Bonus Chapter: Build an Organization That Pays Attention 154
Empower Your Team to Give Intentional Attention 156
Leverage Social Media to Surprise and Delight Customers 160
Systemize Thoughtfulness - The Mendlowski Method 162
Ensure Customers Get a Consistent Experience 163
Give Attention to Get Attention 164
Peloton: The Poster Child for Intentional Attention 166
Endnotes 170
Index 177
