The Importance of Observation

As a leader, it is always important to be able to observe a situation before you respond. We teach and coach students in sports to be able to react to a play or a situation in a moment’s time, and that is well and good, but in leadership, a person must be able not only to react, but to respond, and to respond in a way that is positive and helpful.

We have all had conversations with people or experienced coaches or players who overreact or misreact to a situation because they haven’t taken the time to observe or listen to what is going on. The coach who punishes the wrong player, the boss who doesn’t listen to the employees involved in the conflict. Being able to make observations and then respond appropriately is a pivotal skill in developing exceptional leadership ability.

Here’s a few thoughts on how to observe and locate a situation:

1. Leave Your Assumptions At The Door:
Bringing in your own assumptions or ideas about a situation can blind you from seeing what is actually going on in a situation. If you have a bias towards a particular person, as a leader you must be able to keep that from entering in to your observation.

2. Ask Questions:
Asking questions can clarify a situation or response you don’t understand and gives the person or persons involved a chance to tell their side of the story.

3. Listen To The Answers To Your Questions:
Do not just ask questions to seem interested, but actually listen to the answers. Take notes on a piece of paper if it helps, use good listening skills and body language to show that you are taking the person seriously.

4. Rephrase Their Answer To Ensure An Accurate Observation:
After you have heard an answer, rephrase it in your own words, even by starting with “so what I hear you saying is…” and then proceed to restate what you’ve heard. This can prevent miscommunication and lets the persons know you are concerned.

5. Take Time To Respond:
After you have observed the situation and listened to the persons involved, if you are confident in the appropriate response, then share it with openness and honesty. But if you are not sure how to respond, take time to decide the appropriate response. Taking time does not display weakness, in reality, it reveals wisdom. A wisdom that you do not get caught up in the conflict or react without contemplation. Take time to make the right decision.

These steps can help in conflict situations or leadership experiences where one is expected to make an observation and respond with a solution.

Thoughts or suggestions? Share in the comment section.