There may be nothing more important to those you lead than your undivided attention.

Think back to when you were a kid. Remember how you craved the attention of your parents? As we grew and joined organizations, we wanted the attention of our coaches or club leaders or the seniors in high school or college. If you don’t remember this, think about today with your kids or your nieces and nephews and how they want your attention.

There must be something which predisposes us to wanting and needing some type of attention from someone we view as an “authority” figure. There is something important about the recognition and attention from those whom we consider more powerful or influential or more experienced.

“Attention” continues to be important to us today – especially in the workplace. Effective leaders understand this. Effective leaders give people their undivided attention.

How might you give your team members the attention they want, expect and deserve?

Schedule 1 on 1 meetings with your people.  In these meetings allow them to speak and to ask questions. When responding, look them in the eyes and do not check text messages, emails, or take phone calls. (It is best to move away from your desk and position yourself to sit “with them” at another table or on the same side of the desk.)

When holding staff or group meetings, call people by their names. Look them in the eye when they speak and nod to indicate that you are really listening. (Reminder: Don’t check text messages, emails, or take phone calls while in these meetings.)

Respond to emails in a timely manner. Yes, I know emails can be overwhelming.  Nonetheless, if that is how your employees are reaching out to you, you must give them attention.

Engage people in discussion.  Walk around the office and engage your employees in discussions.  (These discussions may or may not be work-related.) Look them in the eye, listen and respond accordingly.  (Do not look down at your phone to check text messages or emails!)

Giving someone your undivided attention is one of the greatest gifts you, as a leader, can give.

And to think, giving someone your attention costs you nothing!