Pay attention and register directions (6)
I believe the answer is:
listen
'pay attention' is the definition.
(to listen to someone)
'register directions' is the wordplay.
'register' becomes 'list' (listing is a kind of registering).
'directions' becomes 'en' (east and north).
'list'+'en'='LISTEN'
'and' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for listen that I've seen before include "Lend an ear (6)" , "Tinsel (anag.)" , "Hark!" , "Take heed -- 13 (anag)" , "Be silent in order to hear" .)