Alertness

What IsAlertness?Alertness is being aware of

what is taking place around

me so I can have the right

responses.

Alertness

What IsAlertness?Alertness is exercising

your ability to notice and

file away information for

future reference as needed.

Alertness

Respond to NeedsAlertness to surrounding

circumstances gives you

warning of approaching

dangers and notice of

emerging opportunities.

Alertness

Peripheral VisionAlertness 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

1Anticipate ObstaclesUnderstand 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

1Anticipate 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 MeaningEvery 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 goingon in other departments, organizations, and fieldsso that you can anticipateand adapt to changes.

2

Alertness

Tell ThoseAffectedCommunicate with those who will be affected by a situation or who can contribute to a solution.

3

Alertness

Tell ThoseAffected•Consider how situations

will affect others.

•Ask permission or notifyothers 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 ImmediatelyTake 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 fordealing with issues inan orderly manner.

4

Alertness

Take Timeto AnalyzeLearn from life! It is not enough to merely witnessan event, opportunity, or trend—you must see applications and comprehend their implications.

5

Alertness

Take Timeto 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

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.