I like to think I do an average job of being mindful. Yet the HBR article, See Colleagues as They Are, Not as They Were, brought me up short.
I’m not a grudge-holder by nature, yet I know that I do bring past experiences with people to bear on today’s interactions. While I don’t want to open myself up to being burned by people repeatedly, I think there’s value in simply experiencing encounters as they are. This people-focused mindfulness would allow me to suspend the “stories” in my head, be more present and notice what’s really going on in interactions – without judgment that clouds reality.
Yes, there are scripts in my brain when I interact with people. However, paying attention to them is a choice. Choosing to simply be with a person and observe anew will help me listen, understand and connect with others.
We’d love to hear how you remain fully present with people. Comment below or message us here.
Photo by Sharon Mollerus on Flickr.