How to make observation serve you

A famous surgeon used to tell his students that a doctor needed two abilities: freedom from nausea and the power of observation. Then he would dip his finger into a bitterly foul liquid, lick it off and ask each student to do the same.

One by one, the students would taste the liquid, many of whom almost gagged at the taste. Then he would say, "You have passed the first test, but not the second. For none of you noticed that while I dipped my first finger into the liquid, I licked the second."

One of the qualities of successful people in all walks of life is keen observation of their surroundings. They notice things about people, human nature and the world in general. Many of us, unfortunately, go through life with our eyes half closed.

Some of the strategies that I use to improve my observation skills include:

Be present — Focus on the task or meeting at hand. Avoid distractions like phones or unrelated thoughts. Being fully present allows you to notice details you might otherwise miss.

Practice active listening — Pay close attention to what others are saying and watch for nonverbal cues. This helps you understand the full context of the conversation and pick up on unspoken issues or opportunities.

Ask questions — Engaging with others by asking questions not only clarifies information but also encourages you to observe more deeply. It can reveal insights that aren't immediately obvious.

Take notes — Writing things down helps reinforce what you've observed and provides a reference for later reflection. It also helps you notice patterns over time.

Reflect and analyze — After meetings or interactions, take a moment to reflect on what you've observed. Consider what went well, what could be improved and any patterns or insights that emerged.

Observe body language — Pay attention to the body language of colleagues and clients. It can provide clues about their feelings and intentions, which might not be expressed verbally.

Stay curious — Cultivate a mindset of curiosity. Approach situations with an open mind and a willingness to learn. This attitude encourages deeper observation and understanding.

Limit multitasking — While multitasking might seem efficient, it often leads to missing important details. Focus on one task at a time to improve your observation and comprehension.

Engage in regular feedback — Seek feedback from peers and mentors about your observations and interpretations. This can provide new perspectives and help refine your skills.

Try incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, and you'll likely find that your ability to observe and understand complex situations improves significantly.

Observation is a critical skill in business that can significantly impact success.

First, by keenly observing market trends, customer behaviors and competitor actions, businesses can anticipate changes and adapt their strategies accordingly. This proactive approach provides a competitive edge.

Second, observing how customers interact with products or services can reveal valuable insights into areas for improvement, leading to innovations that better meet customer needs and enhance satisfaction.

Observation also helps in understanding nonverbal cues and underlying emotions during interactions. Improved communication skills lead to more effective negotiations and stronger relationships.

By being observant, professionals can spot opportunities that others might miss. This could be a gap in the market, a potential partnership or an emerging trend that aligns with the company's strengths.

Finally, observation allows for a deeper understanding of problems, enabling more effective solutions. By paying attention to details, businesses can address root causes rather than just symptoms.

Perhaps you remember the story of the two streakers who interrupted a New York Yankees baseball game when Yogi Berra was the catcher for the Yankees. In the bottom of the ninth inning, two young people suddenly ran onto the field stark naked, slid into home plate and then ran off again.

Asked later if the streakers were boys or girls, Yogi replied, "I don't know. They were wearing bags over their heads."  

Mackay's Moral: In business, the power of observation can turn ordinary moments into extraordinary opportunities.

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Harvey Mackay is the author of the New York Times bestseller "Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive." He can be reached through his website, www.harveymackay.com, by emailing [email protected] or by writing him at MackayMitchell Envelope Co., 2100 Elm St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414.