“I Noticed”

In physics, at a very small scale, they have found that the act of observation impacts the outcome and the data produced. The same is true in your business.As a leader, what you notice, what you pay attention to is your most powerful leadership tool.In Inquiry Leadership we have a tool I call “I noticed.” This tool is an opening for inquiry and for directing the attention of people to what is important. As a leader, it is your job to notice things. What you notice has a huge impact.So, let’s say something is not getting done in your business. You might say, “I noticed that the billing for September has not gone out,” or “I noticed that sales are down this week,” or “I noticed that you have been late to work a few times this week,” etc.You are not making a judgment or casting blame; you are just noticing.Then you wait…Whatever they say next will open up a dialogue. You don’t have to assert anything. You can just ask questions relative to what they are saying.It is not a confrontation. It is just noticing. Instead of it being a big problem, it is an opening for conversation. If you do it regularly, it is evident to everyone that you are paying attention. Studies show that just the act of measurement affects positive change. Your noticing brings the same kind of attention.Even more powerful is positive noticing:“I noticed that your desk is really organized.”“I noticed that you finished the budget projections ahead of time.”“I noticed that the customer left with a smile on her face.”“I noticed that you have been coming to me with great questions.”“I noticed that your team is being really productive lately.”Positive noticing is even more powerful than noticing problems. Some studies suggest that 9:1 (positive to corrective feedback) is the most effective ratio in motivating people.What you notice is the most direct and gentle way to guide your team and your organization toward what you want. By noticing, you are bringing everyone’s attention to what is most important to you. If you aren’t noticing, things start to fall apart. If you are noticing, make sure that you are noticing the things that will make your business great.What do you want to emphasize in your business?What are you noticing that will help lead your business and set priorities?What aren’t you noticing?Do you create tension when you address things that need attention, or do your direct reports evoke a mentoring, inspiring connection between you and your coworkers?