Stop Thinking This Is a Waste of Your Time

What’s your attitude when you need to talk to someone during the workday? Do you think it’s a waste of your time?

I had a great conversation with a client the other week. She had a realization that I just had to pass on. She mentioned how she often wants to quickly get things done when reaching out to colleagues. She wants to talk to them, and quickly move on.

However, as we discussed it more, she realized that talking to them is not a waste of time—it’s an investment of time.

This shift in perspective is powerful.

Engaging with others to get work done is an investment, not just a task. So how can you make this investment more effective? One approach we discussed is taking a few deep breaths before making a call. We practiced this together and when you do this, it’s much easier to access that calmer place when you’re dealing with someone. It allows you to interact person to person rather than treating the conversation as another task.

So next time you need to talk to someone about work, take a few deep breaths. Then make that call or join that meeting, and remember: this relationship is an investment of your time, not a waste.

Read more: Workplace Relationships: Make Connections Not Transactions