So far my Experiment in Single Tasking, or realizing that we mostly suck at multitasking, has focused on Email vs. Phone and Putting Down the Device. The first was actually harder. It is SO easy to sneak an eyeball at the screen when you are on the phone, but I could easily tell that my conversations were reduced to "mmm hmmm" and "ohhh" instead of actual words. If I walked away it is so much easier. No screen to sneak a peek at.
The second week I added putting down the device when I was meeting with someone in real life. That was actually easier. No phone, no iPad to disrupt the flow of the moment. I don't want to get all kumbaya, but I felt like the conversations were better. I was in them and not totally distracted by a device.
This week I am adding the idea of Think before you Speak. I saw this last week on The Secular Buddhist and it triggered a big AHA! Last week I was holding a meeting that although good in theory quickly dwindled to a gang of gossiby geese. Not the most productive moment and although I like all the folks there who knows who will repeat some sliver of stupid that was said meaninglessly.
And that is the catch - words said meaninglessly can cause harm, even unintentional harm. So what if instead we thought about what were saying instead of just filling a void? I'm not saying that we need to be silent monks. Far from it, but maybe we need to think a little before we gush out the next thing that surfaces.
This week the experiment takes on THINK (obviously some family or kid related communication advice that I am not above employing in my own life.)
Before you Speak:
THINK
Is it True
Is it Helpful
Is it Inspiring
Is it Necessary
Is it Kind
Cute. I know, but if used with care I suspect that it will elevate the conversations rather than let them devolve. At least that is my hope!
