Improving Observation Skills

Today's technologies connect us to unlimited resources and communication channels optimized to grab our attention. Emails, messaging, phone calls, and the Web, announced by a ping and a buzz are often just a pocket away. When used appropriately, these powerful tools keep us on track and can help resolve problems in the workplace. Most of the time, smartphones are used to fill in the small gaps of time when we believe a few seconds of shifted attention is no big deal.

Mobile phones and technology:

In 1973, Martin Cooper , a Motorola engineer, made the first call on a mobile phone. The Motorola DynaTAC 8000x weighed 2.5 pounds, measured 10 inches long, and only delivered 20 minutes of battery time. Four decades later, smartphones live in the pocket of nearly everyone in the United States. Our phones tell us the time, give us directions, take pictures, and keep us connected to family, friends, and work. Used appropriately, these devices can make our lives easier and more enjoyable, but they can be a huge distraction. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2011, 3,331 people were killed in crashes involving distracted drivers, and an estimated 387,000 were injured. [NHSTA, 2011]

Emails:

Emails are an effective and convenient channel of communication, but they are also a source of stress and distraction. Responding to emails immediately prevents having too many emails to address later, but it also means you are directing your attention away from your work and from the people you are talking to. Building the expectation that you will not immediately respond, can help alleviate stress and anxiety.

Messaging:

Instant messaging and texts are convenient ways for coworkers and friends to get in touch about issues that need to be addressed quickly. Being always available online means you leave yourself open to distractions.

The Web:

The Web is a powerful resource for answering questions, learning skills, looking up information, reading the news, and having fun. Web browsing has become a source of leisure both at work and at home. When looking something up for work, it is easy to get sidetracked by interconnected links.