3
OPINION
The art of being present
In our digitized age, the very tools designed to enhance communication can sometimes become barriers.
A s the director of marketing at WK Dickson, I’ve been privileged to wear many hats and dive deep into the intricate dance of communication, branding, and human behavior. I’ve observed a shift, subtle but significant, that has the potential to impact our professional interactions profoundly. I’m talking about the importance of being present.
Kraig Kern, CPSM
Picture this: You’re in an important meeting with a client, but instead of engaging in meaningful conversation, their eyes drift down to their phone, distracted by notifications, emails, or social media. Perhaps it’s even happened to you; a colleague’s story is overshadowed by the lure of a notification or buzz on their watch. In such moments, a crucial opportunity is lost – the opportunity to genuinely connect. I am reminded of an example that happened to me just the other day with a coworker. It was incredibly frustrating, and I made a negative comment that I regret. I was sitting there having a great lunch conversation. We were making progress on a marketing strategy I wanted to implement. We also made small talk about life in general. It was pleasant. Then, right in the middle of a thought, my lunch companion pulled out his phone and started typing away. I stopped mid-sentence and waited patiently.
Minutes passed, and finally, he looked up and saw my expression. He sheepishly said, “Sorry, my wife sent me a funny meme.” To which I replied, “That’s literally the equivalent of slamming a door in my face.” He didn’t take that well. In our digitized age, the very tools designed to enhance communication can sometimes become barriers. Being present isn’t merely a buzzword; it’s an essential skill with deep implications in the professional realm. Being present is about: ■ Trust and credibility. When you give someone your full attention, you silently communicate respect and value. This can set the tone for a trustworthy and credible relationship in a professional setting, especially with clients or colleagues. Clients feel heard, understood, and
See KRAIG KERN , page 4
THE ZWEIG LETTER DECEMBER 18, 2023, ISSUE 1517
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker