NEXT: Attention span
I’m always shocked at how quickly my son changes topic and interest. He will get me to start playing something with him and as soon as I really get into it, he is on to a completely new thing! It’s super annoying when it is something that takes time to set up. By the time I get everything together and ready to go, he is on to something else. The funny thing is that I know this yet I am surprised each and every time it happens. Why is that? It’s because I get engaged in the task. Similar to when someone changes the TV channel right when you get into the show.
But why do Toddlers move on to the new subject? They are bored. They are looking for something else that grabs their attention. As they get older they will find more things interesting about a subject or a task and therefore can stick with it for longer.
So what’s the parallel between toddlers and executives here? There is a fine line between the necessary and unnecessary information. If you cross the line into unnecessary information, you will lose the Executive and much like the Toddler, they will be looking to move on. For the Executive it isn’t about boredom but rather necessity. Of the resources at their disposal, the one most lacking is time and if they feel their time isn’t being spent wisely they will make an adjustment quickly.
It’s important to note that many executives actually have a “tell” when they begin to lose patience with a subject. Some tells are obvious like the Executive standing up and walking around while others are more subtle like an Executive starting to play with their wedding ring. So what can we do? So glad you asked….
For the Executive: Create a strong enough tell that it makes its way through the organization like an urban legend of sorts. Those who know the tell will want to share this knowledge as a badge of honor. Before long, it will make its way into the culture with people saying things like, “she didn’t take off her glasses did she!?” or “If he takes his ring off, just stop talking!” This way you almost step into the role of conductor. Of course don’t abuse the tell. It’s a fine line between being effective and just straight rude.
For those working with Executives: First, always consider your audience. Think about that line between what do they need to know and what might be too much info. The best test here is think about why you are telling them what you are telling them. Everything that is critical to the why stays, everything else can go into backup or an appendix. Second, learn the tell. Sometimes you will accidentally go too far with what info you are providing, especially if you are passionate about your topic. Make sure you monitor the audience. If you start seeing the Executive do that thing they do, wrap it up quickly.
For those looking to develop as an Executive: Time is money… or at least that is how the saying goes. But truthfully, time is a limited resource and as you progress in your career this is one resource that gets strained more and more. Many people wait too long in their career before proactively managing their time. As someone looking to develop as an executive, think about toddlers. When they feel the need to move on, they do. They move on due strictly to want. As an adult, this decision to move on can be predicated on other factors such a priority. Guard your time and be intentional about the things you INVEST your time in.
For parents of Toddlers: Be patient and observe the things your Toddler has a greater attention span for. You may just stumble on the themes of instinct where your Toddler may have the opportunity to excel in the future.