Attention Pays: How to Drive Profitability, Productivity, and Accountability

"The difference between success and failure is often the same as the difference between happiness and frustration: deciding to use intention. Neen makes it clear that our attention is too important to be frittered away merely because someone (or something) decided to grab it." SETH GODIN, bestselling author of Linchpin

DISCOVER THE KEY TO DRIVING PROFITABILITY, PRODUCTIVITY, AND ACCOUNTABILITY. . . ATTENTION

"The ′Over Trilogy′ cycle Neen shares in this book is impacting more than our decision– making ability and productivity; it′s impacting our wellness and happiness! Neen offers profound insight and action–orientation that positively changes the trajectory of our businesses, communities, and lives. As we pay genuine attention to the people and world around us, we reap vast rewards."
Barbara Cowan, Vice President Talent and Inclusion, Comcast Spotlight

"An insightful and thought–provoking look at the impact of technology (especially smart phones!) and our ability to remain in–tune with ourselves, our day, and overall environment. Attention Pays crystallizes social media′s influence on human interaction and the results thereof; which tend to be the inverse of common beliefs."
Phil LaLonde, SVP Ad Sales Commercial Operations, Viacom Media Networks

"Finally! In an overwhelming world that pulls us in every direction, a book that lays out the where, how, and why about where we should focus. The best part is that Attention Pays, pays you back as you read it. Of the thousands of books that come out this year, this is the one to pay attention to."
Scott Stratten, five–time bestselling author, UnMarketing Inc.

Through my research, study and work with cool clients including Viacom, Paramount Pictures, Abbott and Comcast, I′ve seen the power of Intentional Attention. I′ve repeatedly witnessed firsthand the extraordinary difference slight shifts in attention creates in people′s lives. That is why the concept of intentional attention is the underpinning of my business practice, my strategy development, and my passion for helping people get from where they are to where they want to be.

If you are tired of being stressed out and overwhelmed, join the Attention Pays revolution. Neen shares powerful suggestions and strategies in this guidebook on the power of attention that will drive profitability, increase productivity, and boost accountability. She reveals how to tune out the constant noise from the world around us (and our overly busy minds) and explains how to transform your life in unimaginable ways through intentional attention.

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

NEEN JAMES, international speaker and coach, works with professionals in many industries sharing productive strategies to help them achieve big results. As a Global Gurus Top 30 Worldwide Leadership and Communications Speaker, with over 50,000 online followers and countless live audience members, she teaches ways to improve the quality of their lives, business, and relationships. Attention Pays provides the answers they are seeking. Neen is also an avid shoe collector, unofficial champagne taste tester, and happy little Aussie.