The Power of Observation
I asked a group of landscape leaders how observation had played a role in their success today. Here is what they said:
- Intentional and deliberate communication: “I learned to slow down when I spoke to my bosses and team. I observed how my bosses took time to communicate deliberately and intentionally each time they spoke to me. That is powerful.” Leaders lose the opportunity to instruct others when they fail to thoughtfully and exactly communicate – be it goals, instructions, praise or correction.
- Caught more than taught: “Being together with my fellow leaders in the organization is so helpful. I don’t feel alone, because I see others going through the same things I am.” Leaders are always being observed – every interaction, reaction, or task execution is a learning moment for everyone.
- Humbled but not stopped: As for me, I learned watching a great leader handle a challenge over the last 10 years. “I observed this great leader get plummeted by the media for some remarks he made that were taken out of context. It humbled him but didn’t stop him. He observed, learned and took action to make it better.”
Solomon called this “iron sharpening iron.” Those valuable times where we learn from observing other great leaders in action.
To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe.
~Marilyn vos Savant
Keep observing and learning from great leaders.
Jeff
