Leaders know observation skills are critically important to success - in any dimension. They work hard to develop their own, and to identify and develop the skill in their people.

Leaders rely heavily on the observations of others to test their own impressions, and to add to their body of knowledge about whatever issue is on the table. Observation is learning on the fly – it's not something you sit down to do. And every experience adds to your body of knowledge, leaving you a top asset to your organization, your industry, your family, and yourself.

At the same time that it is such a valuable skill, it's amazing how little value is attached to it by many, many managers. Again and again you'll see people leave a meeting with the statement that it was a waste of their time. When pressed, they will state that they learned nothing, or the meeting was inconclusive, or they weren't the right person the be there, or they felt muzzled.

A suggestion: the next time you find yourself in a meeting where you feel it's a waste of your time, promise yourself that you will take from that meeting at least 3 items of information – perceptions, opinions, facts, observed behavior, that can be of help in your work. Then apply those elements to your relationships. It works – most people don't do it. Most people don't become effective leaders. In the case of most people, they don't even know observation is a highly prized skill.

If you want to be in the top ten percent of whatever you do, work consciously and hard on the development of your observation skills. It will pay off – I guarantee it. If you want to be world class in anything, you gotta develop the skill of observation - seeing the world around you and seeing it every day, in every way, and make observing a habit of thought. The price of success is stepping out - observing the world in all its variety, learning from it, and taking that accumulation of inputs and putting them to use in decision making - in improving intuition - in building relationships.

Ten behaviors and habits of thought critical for developing accurate observation skills:

Sizing up people – people watching Clarity – seeing the world as it is Curiosity – asking why Listening skills Willingness to set aside personal biases Willingness to seek the inputs of others Seeking out new experiences and possibilities Being comfortable with ambiguity Knowledge of the behaviors and attitudes of people Self knowledge – accurately knowing your own behaviors, attitudes and personal skills, and how they impact others

It's easy to get so focused on our own job that we really don't see the forest for the trees, even if we're invited to the highest ranger station in that particular forest.

A personal story:

I was hiking in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve and coming down a steep, rocky, narrow path. Approaching me from below was a young woman, baseball cap pulled down over her eyes, dark sunglasses, hydration backpack, and earphones. I stepped aside to let her pass - hikers ascending have right of way - I said "Hello," and she went past me - within inches of touching me - without acknowledging me! Wow - two people, close enough to touch, no one else around, and not so much as a nod.

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