The Attention Trap in Decision-Making

When you assign a task or select a vendor, you usually weigh solid factors:

• Quality of work

• Price and value

• Service and responsiveness

• Reliability of delivery

• Performance and track record

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Depending on the situation, you may add more—speed, innovation, expertise.

But some people sneak in a sixth factor without realizing it:

Attention.

They love being chased.

They love being flattered.

They love being made to feel important.

And that’s where judgment goes off-track.

Anecdote 1: The Vendor Who Called More Than Family

A CEO once laughed that his vendor called him more often than his own mother.

Morning greetings, evening check-ins, random messages about “thinking of you and your vision.”

The CEO felt valued—until the project started.

Deadlines slipped, quality dropped, and excuses multiplied.

“Attention without competence is like dessert without a meal—it feels sweet, but leaves you hungry.”

The vendor was great at charm, terrible at delivery.

Anecdote 2: The Office Charmer

In one team, there were two employees:

• One quiet, diligent, and reliable.

• One flamboyant, always dropping by for “quick chats,” praising the manager’s leadership, and volunteering theatrically.

  
  

Guess who got the high-visibility assignments?

The charmer.

Guess who ended up cleaning the mess later?

The manager.

“When attention becomes currency, performance is always underpaid.”

The silent performer watched opportunities slip away, demotivated by the unfairness.

Why We Fall for It

• Ego – Flattery feels good.

• Confusion – Attention is mistaken for commitment.

• Emotional bias – Praise overrides proof.

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And let’s admit it—who doesn’t like being told they’re brilliant?

But decision-making based on “feeling important” is like shopping for groceries while hungry.

You’ll end up with junk.

How to Avoid the Trap

1. Write down objective criteria – Quality, reliability, performance—stick to them.

2. Track performance, not praise – What did they actually deliver?

3. Beware the over-attentive – If they spend more time complimenting you than working, consider it a red flag.

4. Reward competence, not charisma – Attention can be a bonus, not a foundation.

   
   

“Attention seekers may win applause, but only performers win trust.”

Final Thought

Attention is intoxicating, but also misleading.

The most successful leaders resist the seduction of flattery and focus on what truly matters—results.

After all, it’s better to have a vendor who delivers on time than one who wishes you “Good morning” five times a day.

Don’t let attention-seekers drain your energy. Build clarity, confidence, and composure through personal coaching. Message me to explore 1:1 coaching for professionals who want to grow with purpose.