Alertness

What Is Alertness? Alertness is being aware of what is taking place around me so I can have the right responses.

Alertness What Is Alertness? Alertness is exercising your ability to notice and file away information for future reference as needed.

Alertness Respond to Needs Alertness to surrounding circumstances gives you warning of approaching dangers and notice of emerging opportunities.

Alertness Peripheral Vision Alertness refers to the awareness of circumstances beyond your immediate focus. It requires constant awareness and disciplined preparation.

Alertness “To see, to hear, means nothing. To recognize (or not recognize) means everything.” — Andrè Breton

Alertness for Developing Alertness

Alertness 1 Anticipate Obstacles Understand the goals, costs, and benefits of a project so that you can prepare to overcome challenges. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

Alertness 1 Anticipate Obstacles Allow extra time for jobs you have not done before. Anticipate possible objections and prepare to overcome them with gracious persuasion. Test and prepare your equipment before you must use it under pressure.

Alertness Connect Signals With Meaning Every part of life is affected by the other parts of life. Be constantly alert to surrounding danger and opportunity, rather than limiting your focus to the matters immediately at hand. 2

Alertness Connect Signals With Meaning When beginning a project, determine how you will monitor the successes and failures of your endeavor. Be aware of what is going on in other departments, organizations, and fields so that you can anticipate and adapt to changes. 2

Alertness Tell Those Affected Communicate with those who will be affected by a situation or who can contribute to a solution. 3

Alertness Tell Those Affected Consider how situations will affect others. Ask permission or notify others before starting a task that will affect their workspace, schedule, or responsibilities. Post warning signs for those moving in and out of your work area as needed. 3

Alertness Act Immediately Take responsibility to develop an immediate response instead of ignoring problems or procrastinating. 4

Alertness Act Immediately Even when you cannot resolve an issue, at least address the situation as soon as it comes to your attention. Develop a system for dealing with issues in an orderly manner. 4

Alertness Take Time to Analyze Learn from life! It is not enough to merely witness an event, opportunity, or trend—you must see applications and comprehend their implications. 5

Alertness Take Time to Analyze When you discover a new idea, take time to develop it and make notes of your thoughts. After meetings, take a moment to digest and record your observations. 5

Alertness

1.What benefits have you seen from anticipating obstacles before they surface? 2.What important signals does your department or organization watch for every day? 3.What is the difference between alertness and nosiness in the affairs of others? 4.What effects have you experienced from procrastination? 5.How have you applied information gained from past experiences?

Alertness Discussion Starters: 1.Name someone who demonstrates awareness of the surroundings and who quickly responds to others’ needs. 2.When did you make a careless mistake because you were not alert to facts, figures, or other details? When has alertness helped you avoid a mistake? 3.Have you been tempted to cut corners or skip safety measures? What motivates you to maintain safety standards? 4.How does alertness help your company provide good customer service? 5.How does alertness promote teamwork and cooperation?

Alertness Discussion Starters: 6. How do you feel when you enter a store and the employees ignore you? 7. Name one thing you can do this week to practice alertness at work. 8. Who would be affected if you were injured or killed in a car crash? How does your answer influence your driving habits? 9. Can you name at least two or more ways you can drive safely? 10. How has someone demonstrated alertness recently? What did that person do? What were the benefits? Express your appreciation at the next opportunity.