--- title: A Simple, Yet Underrated Skill for Leaders description: Leader tips for observation skills to supports teams & businesses with remote, in-person, hybrid employees who need effective feedback & coaching success. image: https://insights.alula.clg.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image_Option%202.png --- [![](https://insights.alula.clg.com/hubfs/images/logos/alula-clg-logo-1.svg)](https://alula.clg.com/) - [Home](https://alula.clg.com/) - Solutions - [Change](https://alula.clg.com/solutions/change-management) - [Leadership](https://alula.clg.com/solutions/leadership) - [Performance](https://alula.clg.com/solutions/performance) - About - [Company](https://alula.clg.com/about/company) - [Team](https://alula.clg.com/about/team) - [Insights](https://insights.alula.clg.com/blog) - [Blog](https://insights.alula.clg.com/blog) - [Resources](https://alula.clg.com/insights/resources) - [Careers](https://alula.clg.com/careers) - [Contact](https://alula.clg.com/contact) - Search - [![](https://insights.alula.clg.com/hubfs/images/logos/alula-clg-logo-white.svg)](https://alula.clg.com/) - [PH: 1.800.887.0011 (U.S. Toll-free)](tel:18008870011) - [PH: 412.269.7240](tel:4122697240) - [Directions](https://goo.gl/maps/gjzMJte7JKo) # A Simple, Yet Underrated Skill for Leaders August 2024 | By [ALULA](https://insights.alula.clg.com/blog/author/alula) ## How well do you really know your team? Beyond their job titles and performance metrics, what's the underlying story? The answer might surprise you.  ![Blog Image_Observation_resize2](https://insights.alula.clg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Image_Observation_resize2.png?width=650&height=431&name=Blog%20Image_Observation_resize2.png) Effective leadership isn't just about numbers; it's about people. And understanding your people starts with a simple, yet often overlooked skill: observation. It's about paying close attention to what's happening around you, not just what people are saying.  ## You might be tempted to think, "Observation? That's so basic. I've got way more important things to focus on as a leader."   But let’s be honest, our dynamic workplace demands deeper connections with our teams.  When you make observation a regular habit, that's when the magic happens. You start to notice subtle cues which reveal whether your expectations are clear, if there are any roadblocks holding people back, and who is going above and beyond. You gain invaluable insights into how your team is really feeling and what's driving (or draining) their motivation. That knowledge is pure gold when it comes to providing meaningful feedback, coaching people effectively, and driving real performance improvements.  This observational superpower is crucial, whether you're leading a remote, in-person, or hybrid team. The ability to stay closely connected and attuned to your people's needs is what separates great leaders from good ones.  ## So how do you put observation into practice? ### **Here are some tips for harnessing the power of this skill:**  #### 🔹Get out from behind your desk. Spend time observing your team in action; sitting in on virtual meetings, doing check-ins at their workstations, or even just chatting casually. The more you immerse yourself in their day-to-day, the better you'll understand what's really going on.    #### 🔹Ask thoughtful questions. Don't just go through the motions — really dig into what's working, what's challenging, and what your team needs from you. Pay attention to their words and their body language to get the full story.    #### **🔹Be curious, not critical**. Approach observation with an open and understanding mindset. You're there to learn, not to judge. This will help put your team at ease and encourage them to be honest and transparent with you.  #### **🔹Notice the little things**. It's easy to get tunnel vision on the big picture metrics, but the small details can often reveal the most important insights. Watch for patterns in behavior, tone of voice, or facial expressions which might clue you in to how people are really feeling.  ## When you make observation a regular habit, you'll be amazed at how much more you start to understand about your team and your business. Feedback becomes more meaningful, coaching has a bigger impact, and you can spot issues (and opportunities) before they even arise.  So don't underestimate the power of this simple leadership skill. Make observation a priority, and watch how it transforms your ability to motivate, inspire, and get results — no matter what your workplace looks like.  ### ***What will you observe today?** * ![ALULA](https://insights.alula.clg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/alula-favicon.png?width=100&name=alula-favicon.png) ### Written by [ALULA](https://insights.alula.clg.com/blog/author/alula) Posted in: [Leadership](https://insights.alula.clg.com/blog/topic/leadership), [Team Culture](https://insights.alula.clg.com/blog/topic/team-culture), [Culture](https://insights.alula.clg.com/blog/topic/culture), [Coaching](https://insights.alula.clg.com/blog/topic/coaching) ### Conversation ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Posts by Topic - [Leadership (120)](https://insights.alula.clg.com/blog/topic/leadership) - [Behavior (46)](https://insights.alula.clg.com/blog/topic/behavior) - [Team Culture (30)](https://insights.alula.clg.com/blog/topic/team-culture) - [Culture (26)](https://insights.alula.clg.com/blog/topic/culture) - 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![](https://insights.alula.clg.com/hubfs/alula-favicon.png)[ALULA](https://insights.alula.clg.com/blog/author/alula) - ![](https://insights.alula.clg.com/hubfs/blog_2024hsALULA_Cole-Brian_1-1.jpg)[Brian Cole, Ph.D.](https://insights.alula.clg.com/blog/author/brian-cole) - ![](https://insights.alula.clg.com/hubfs/blog_2024hsALULA_Crowley-Koch-Brian_2.jpg)[Brian Crowley-Koch, Ph.D.](https://insights.alula.clg.com/blog/author/brian-crowley-koch-ph-d) - ![](https://insights.alula.clg.com/hubfs/blog_2024hsALULA_Kramer-Debbie_1.jpg)[Debbie Kramer](https://insights.alula.clg.com/blog/author/debbie-kramer) - ![](https://insights.alula.clg.com/hubfs/blog_2024hsALULA_Conway-Dee_1.jpg)[Delores (Dee) Conway](https://insights.alula.clg.com/blog/author/delores-dee-conway) - ![](https://insights.alula.clg.com/hubfs/Erin.jpg)[Erin Thibault](https://insights.alula.clg.com/blog/author/erin-thibault) - ![](https://insights.alula.clg.com/hubfs/danielle-geissler.jpg)[Danielle Hochstein, Ph.D.](https://insights.alula.clg.com/blog/author/https-insights-alula-clg-com-blog-author-danielle-geissler-ph-d) - 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