the encouragement lounge: Attention creates energy

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Attention creates energy

I've been reviewing a wonderful book "Energize Your Workplace: How to Create and Sustain High-Quality Connections at Work" by Jane Dutton, (Jossey-Bass, 2003). I was looking over highlighted sections, wondering how it might relate to students involved in group projects. The following passage caught my attention:

"When two people at work deliberately direct attention toward each other and away from other possible distractions, they activate a sense of mutual connection that energizes both people."

This quote made me wonder how we energize, or de-energize each other in dyads and group projects, based on our attention. Consider that if you and your colleagues put down your cell phones and email, and really focus with each other during group meetings, you may increase your effectiveness, efficiency, and the quality of your work. Thoughts?

Interestingly enough... Indira Nair, who I mentioned in my last post, said in an interview about mentoring "It's not about making time, it's about making attention."

Have a good day.

Harriet

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Working adult students, on my mind...

I hope this blog will be helpful to friends and others involved in a variety of endeavors. However, I created the blog with students in mind and continue to develop it with that specific group as my focus.

I believe that with the increase in evening, weekend, and low-residency programs, students are working more and more in isolation. If we were all full-time students on campus, we would have the informal support that comes with being able to go down the hall and talk with a colleague, etc. But instead, we are working late nights and weekends at home in front of the laptop.

With that in mind, I hope the encouragement lounge provides brief moments of respite and energizing connection. This does not at all replace valuable face-to-face contact. Many aspects of the academic journey can only be addressed via in-depth conversations with colleagues and teachers. And I would always rather sit down and talk with someone than to communicate online. Nonetheless, my aim is to give you one more channel for quick hits of support.