In the last post, we explored some ways to make collaborative problem solving more efficient, engaging, and effective.

Now we’re going to look more closely at how maintaining deep focus can help keep these types of strategic conversations moving in the right direction.

The longer you can stay focused during a conversation, the better you’ll be at collaborating with others. That said, being fully present for more than a few minutes at a time isn’t easy. Internal and external distractions conspire to constantly pull you out of the present moment.

Instead of concentrating on what the other person is saying, you may find yourself lost in your own thoughts or thinking about what you’re planning to say next.

Strengthening your ability to focus starts with recognizing these types of distractions, and changing a few habits that may be making it harder to stay fully present.

Stop Trying to Multitask

If you’re trying to solve a truly complex business problem, you’re going to need to give it your full attention—especially if you’re trying to collaborate with others in real time.

The first and simplest step is to eliminate unnecessary distractions. That means resisting the urge to multitask.

Checking your email or Slack every time there’s a momentary lull in a conversation (or worse, when someone else is speaking) doesn’t make you more efficient or productive. It only serves to make you less effective at more activities at the same time.

True collaboration requires and deserves your full presence. The willingness to shut off your alerts, put away your phone, and pay attention to one conversation at a time.

Dial In Your Mental Game

How you spend the moments before a strategy call or brainstorming session can have a huge impact on the quality of your attention.

You’re going to have a much harder time thinking calmly, clearly, and creatively if you’re shifting straight out of your fourth back-to-back Zoom meeting, catching up on emails, or scrolling through LinkedIn.

Just like a professional athlete approaches their pre-game prep, you want to take at least a few minutes to dial in your mental game, block out distractions, and bring 100% of your focus to the task ahead of you.

That means creating some time and space to take a breath, still your mind, and center yourself.

Get Curious

Think about a recent time that you were truly interested and curious about the topic of a conversation. How hard was it to maintain focus and stay totally present?

The more of your natural curiosity you can tap into, the less effort it will take to pay close attention to the details that matter most.

The opposite is also true. When you think you already know the best solution to a problem, the less curious you’ll be about other people’s perspectives, and the harder it will be to focus and actually hear what they’re saying.

What will you do today to start bringing more presence when collaborating with others to solve a problem?

Will you be more deliberate about cutting out distractions, preparing for creative conversations, and tapping into your innate curiosity?