An Unexpected Productivity Hack...

Want to learn a different type of productivity hack?

I've got a story to share with you today, something that's become my secret sauce in not just managing my time better but also enhancing the quality of my work. And guess what? It revolves around the simple, yet often overlooked skill of listening.

The "Aha" Moment
During my early coaching sessions, I found myself falling into the trap of typing out verbatim everything my clients were saying. I thought, "The more notes, the better, right?" Well, not quite. I realised that in my quest to capture every word, I was missing out on truly understanding the essence of their messages. It was like trying to read a book while simultaneously jotting down every single word on a notepad. Exhausting and, frankly, not very effective.

So, I decided to switch things up. Instead of furiously typing away, I began taking concise, focused notes. This small change forced me to actively listen, to really tune in to what my clients were saying, and guess what? The quality of my coaching sessions skyrocketed. I was no longer just a note-taker; I became a note-thinker.

Why This Matters for You
Now, you might think, "That's great, Tricia, but what does this have to do with me?" A lot, actually! This approach isn't just for coaching; it's a productivity hack that can transform how you handle client meetings, brainstorming sessions, or any scenario where active listening is key. Here's why:

• Improves Understanding: When you're focused on capturing the essence of what's being said, you understand the context and nuances better. This leads to more insightful responses and strategies.
• Saves Time: Let's face it, going through pages of verbatim notes is time-consuming. Concise notes centred around key points and actions are much easier to review and act upon.
• Boosts Engagement: Being an active listener makes your clients and colleagues feel heard and valued, strengthening your relationships.

How to Implement This in Your Workflow
Ready to give it a try? Here are a few tips to get started:

1. Go Old School: Use a pen and paper for your notes. The physical act of writing helps in processing and retaining information better than typing.
2. Focus on Keywords and Actions: Instead of writing full sentences, jot down keywords, phrases, and any specific actions that need to be taken. This will be your roadmap for what needs to be addressed or followed up on.
3. Practice Active Listening: Engage with the speaker, nodding and maintaining eye contact. This not only helps you listen better but also builds trust with your clients.
4. Review and Organise Post-Meeting: Take a few minutes after each meeting to review your notes and organize them into actionable items. This will help cement your understanding and set clear next steps.

It's Your Turn
I encourage you to try this out in your next meeting or client session. You might just be surprised at how much more productive and engaged you feel. And remember, like any new skill, it takes practice. Be patient with yourself, and enjoy the process of becoming a better listener and, by extension, a more effective solopreneur.

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