Becoming an "Observationist"
May 09, 2025
I never set out to be an Observer.
But looking back, I realize that this shaped my career.
While sitting in corporate meetings, I found myself more interested in watching and observing the audience instead of particularly paying attention to the Speaker's content. I wanted to see who was taking notes, who was listening, who was distracted, and who really wanted to learn.
From my early days in luxury hospitality, working with some of the most elite brands in the world, to standing on stages delivering Keynote Speeches, one thing has remained constant:
I watch
I listen
I learn
And that’s where the magic happens.
The Ritz-Carlton Years |
Learning the Art of Excellence
As a Global Executive at The Ritz-Carlton for 16 years, I had the privilege of working alongside some of the most talented professionals in the industry.
Game Changers
People that set the service bar - ultra high.
But what fascinated me the most wasn’t just the brand's systems of success—it was the people behind them.
I noticed the small details that individuals made that yielded biggest impacts.
The way a leader’s body language could inspire confidence or create doubt.
How a single word choice could positively shift an entire conversation.
Why some teams thrived, while others struggled—often because of unspoken dynamics.
Most people don’t notice these things.
But I do.
And that’s when I realized,
Observation is a key to Leadership Excellence.
During my Keynote Presentation at this week's conference, I observed the Banquet Staff's interaction with each other while doing seemingly mundane tasks of changing the linens. The General Manager and Facilities Manager were working with their team - physically helping them "turn the room" because of a tight-turn-deadline.
They were actually moving tables with their team, they cleared dishes, they helped serve guests their meal & drinks.
Those Managers were leading by example.
I could see by their actions & body language that the Managers & their team had mutual respect for each other.
They were working collaboratively to achieve their common goals.
I witnessed their camaraderie and felt their positive energy & that they exuded to accomplish their goal.
It was equally important to all of them.
They had a lofty challenge and together they crushed it.
Hospitality Providers, who are passionate, live for this. It fuels them. It's on of their "wins".
Turning Observations into Action | Becoming a Keynote Speaker, Best-Selling Author & Podcast Host
When I transitioned into Keynote Speaking and Leadership Training, my ability to observe became my greatest asset.
That’s why I launched the Most People Don’t… But You Do! Podcast—it's a platform where I bring together Visionary Leaders, Industry Disruptors, and High Achievers who embody the philosophy of "Doing What Others Don't ".
Each of my guests confirm my philosophy:
- Leaders who challenge the status quo, redefine success
- Innovators who see opportunities, where others see obstacles, thrive
- Storytellers who inspire action through their experiences, expand their customer & network base, resulting in better results - actually.
Through these conversations, I’ve uncovered patterns in behavior, decision-making, and leadership traits, that others often overlook.
I will expand on the benefits of observation in my upcoming book.
I'll share success stories where even small, intentional actions separate Extraordinary Leaders from the rest.
To give you an idea, here is a historical example of How Observation Shaped this Leader's Success
One of the greatest examples of leadership through observation is Abraham Lincoln.
Lincoln wasn’t just a brilliant strategist—he was a keen observer of human nature.
During the war, he spent hours listening to soldiers, studying his opponents, and analyzing the emotions of his advisors.
His ability to read people, anticipate actions & reactions, and adjust his leadership style allowed him to:
- Unite a divided nation by understanding the fears and motivations of both sides
- Craft speeches that resonated deeply because he knew exactly what people needed to hear
- Made decisive military and political moves based on subtle cues others missed
Lincoln’s leadership wasn’t just about power—it was about perception.
He had the ability to see what others didn’t.
This made him an Extraordinary Leader.
Three Key Takeaways for Leaders & Teams
- Observation Drives Innovation – The best leaders see opportunities before others do. They pay attention to customer needs, market shifts, and team dynamics to stay ahead.
- Listening is a Leadership Superpower – Great Leaders listen more than they speak. They encourage open dialogue, ask insightful questions, and watch for non-verbal cues in conversations. They ask the appropriate questions and listen intently. We have two ears and one mouth... we should listen twice as much as we speak
- Small Adjustments Create Big Impact – Success isn’t about massive overhauls; it’s about small, intentional improvements.
This week, consider initiating a micro-adjustment to make a difference. Identify one behavior, process, or mindset to refine each week. Consider a micro-adjustment to make a difference.
Are you ready to take action? Start applying any or all of these today.
For Yourself:
Start a daily observation journal—write down key insights from meetings, interactions, and decisions.
For your Team:
Hold a weekly “Observation Roundtable” where team members share insights on customer feedback, workplace dynamics, and industry trends.
For Your Business:
Conduct a blind spot analysis—identify one overlooked opportunity that could drive growth or efficiency.
I never set out to be an Observer, but it’s the reason I’ve been able to help leaders, teams, and organizations achieve extraordinary success.
Most People Don't but YOU can!
For more inspiration, listen to this week's podcast episode:
Every week I have conversations with successful leaders that share powerful stories, practical insights, and motivational lessons to help you be better, feel better, do better, and enjoy a more meaningful and impactful life.
You can find our podcast on all major platforms like Apple, Spotify, and my website, mostpeopledont.com.
Don't miss out on the chance to be inspired and empowered!
