It would seem that the leader should think about everything at once. However, this is not the case. For effective management, you need to prioritize and focus on the essentials. In neuropsychology, the term “cognitive control” is used to refer to the direction of attention and its retention. Another cognitive function associated with attention is memory because it is impossible to remember something without focusing on that object. Psychologist Daniel Goleman, the author of a series of books on emotional intelligence, has identified three types of leader focus, which we will talk about.
- Internal focus
Attention is directed to the inner psychophysical state. Listening to himself, the leader can come to the most correct decisions, he controls his thoughts and feelings, does not succumb to external influences, and finds the way to a harmonious state. Only under such conditions, he is able to make the most balanced decisions.
- External focus
By directing attention to the outside world, the leader begins to notice changes and trends. This, in turn, makes it possible to react to them and make predictions.
- Focus on the people around you
This type of focus allows you to effectively manage your team and build social bonds. The destructive state of a leader can be transmitted to others, therefore, returning to the first point, we emphasize the need to be able to manage oneself.
How to develop triple focus
- Internal focus
Neglecting the human factor undermines business performance. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account your own emotions as well as the condition of others. Ask yourself a series of questions several times a day (start with three and gradually increase the frequency):
- What am I doing now?
- How does this relate to my goals?
- On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is this to achieve my goal?
- What emotional state am I in right now?
- Does this condition interfere or, on the contrary, help me perform this action?
If you are in an anxious state, it is worthwhile to pause and relieve the tension in a way that works for you. This could be meditation, walking, moderate exercise, or a favorite hobby.
- Focus on the people around you
Strong leaders sense their team: they know their employees’ motivation and want to help them succeed and self-actualize at work. For example, they understand that if someone lacks a certain skill, the person is given the opportunity to learn.
Developing the skill of empathy is an ongoing process that requires regular training. In daily leadership practice, you need to take time to focus your attention. You can start with 30 minutes of analyzing the situation in the team as a whole. Try to answer the following questions:
- What is the mood of the team as a whole?
- Who are the most motivated employees? Who has the lowest level of motivation?
- Do you notice those who aren’t participating? What might that be related to?
Start a regular dialogue with your employees, at least with those with whom you communicate most often. In turn, department managers will hold meetings with their subordinates.
- External focus
Today’s leaders cannot ignore external factors such as market trends, innovation, and other global changes. The same attention skill that can help manage your own emotions and work relationships can be used to focus on the world around you. Being attentive to the environment is directly related to observing, asking questions regularly, and gathering different opinions (even conflicting ones).
Bio
Helen Wilson is a freelance content writer and pro essay writer in the WriteAnyPapers company. Her main spheres of specialization are Productivity, Leadership, and Business. She also studies topics about psychology and health and provides write my paper hub service for students.