Author of
The Gauntlet
These days, we spend much of our time focused on screens.
Such an existence can diminish our offscreen awareness of the people and the activity around us. Having become increasingly dependent on technology, and inhibited by masks and distancing, our connecting and observational skills erode.
What we observe informs what we think, and influences how we act; a weakened observation capacity hinders our ability to learn, to restore and to grow.
Observation is the most direct method for collecting information, and it is the best means for studying human behavior. It’s not just seeing, but carefully watching and trying to thoroughly understand what’s being seen to gain insight about it. Data collected via observation is accurate and reliable. Observation helps us more efficiently interpret related verbal response. Information is more trustworthy when it is gathered via eyes versus ears alone.
Leaders rely on observation to launch value creation: observing leads to assessing, and then to acting. They use it to discover what customers, and associates, truly value, and to strengthen relationships. And, they rely on it to motivate employee and team performance.
Perhaps this holiday season will enable a reduction in screen time, and provide an opportunity to strengthen observation skills and refresh relationships.
Wishing you all a blessed holiday season and a safer, more connected 2021!
