Attunement (like tuning the strings of a violin) is the quiet superpower of great relationships. It's noticing the shift in someone's tone before they say they're stressed. It's knowing when to encourage and when to give space. It's feeling the energy in the room and adjusting accordingly with care.
When you're truly attuned to the people around you, you build trust faster, communicate clearer, and create environments where people feel truly seen. đź’«
Today's Intention at Work Make one person feel seen, valued, and needed in a very specific, here-and-now way.
1. Noticing (25 seconds) Take the initiative to see someone (in person or on video) and signal that you really see them: "I noticed you've been spending a lot of time on the X file this week." "I see worry on your face." Key: stay concrete, situate it in the here and now, avoid vague flattery or observations.
2. Affirming (25 seconds) Then, name how this gesture or emotion makes a difference, in a specific way: "Your way of simplifying information for the client calms everyone down." "Do you need to talk about what you're experiencing related to situation X?" This is the "you add value" step—to what you see in the other person.
3. Involving (25 seconds) Finally, show that this person, not just their contribution, is seen and important for what's next: "We need this clarity in all our phases—would you be comfortable helping us frame the next deliverable?" "Your feeling is valid and can help us see more clearly. Thanks for sharing—let's do this more often."
The idea: the person doesn't just feel appreciated, but also necessary.
Who will you be attuned to today?
A great book to read examples of attunement is Mattering by Jennifer Breheny Wallace
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