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Pay attention to the small things. They turn into big things. (Jocko Willink)

Critical observation is the ability to notice subtle details or gain them through analysis that allows to maneuver situations more tactfully. Our observation skills inform us about objects, events, attitudes and phenomena using one or more senses, thus forming a basis for efficient and fruitful communication. Critical observation is a so-called soft skill, but can bring hard results. 

In the modern workplace, critical observation gives employees the ability to see a problem before it’s even on the horizon, and to interpret research data in order to meet the evolving needs. This becomes increasingly important, as employees are being expected to deliver more interpretive solutions, not just doing assigned tasks copy-paste 

without improvising. The ability to catch subtle nuance in speech or situations deepens the strategic value one can bring to the hiring organization.

It sounds easy enough: paying attention to subtle details that might otherwise be missed, whether in others’ behavior and appearance or in the situation around us. But critical observation is a real skill and one that requires constant practice.

‘Learn to pay attention to the small things. We often overlook the nuances of situations and then wonder why things unfolded the way they did. Pay attention. Little things matter; they matter less, but they matter’, says Jocko Willink*, a Navy SEAL for twenty years, rising through the ranks to become the commander of Task Unit Bruiser – the most decorated Special Operations Unit of the Iraq War.  

Useful tips to practice

Be curious

Curiosity is the first key to observation of any sort. Take an interest in the person / phenomenon / situation you’re interacting with, and it’ll be easier to spot details that you might otherwise miss.

Sherlock Holmes and his famous method of deduction could be seen as the typical example of critical observation. Holmes wasn’t just analyzing what he was expecting to see, but was curious about tiny things that led him to something unexpected. 

Inspector: “Is there any point to which you would wish to draw my attention?”
Holmes: “To the curious incident of the dog in the night-time.”
Inspector: “The dog did nothing in the night-time.”
Holmes: “That was a curious incident.”
(Conan Doyle. Silver Blaze)

This simple deduction shows the extent of Holmes’ attention to detail and his realization that sometimes the most important clues are the events that didn’t happen. Holmes realizes that the perpetrator of the crime must have been someone familiar to the household, as the dog didn’t bark when the perpetrator approached.

Be more like Juror #8

The role model for good critical observation is also a Juror #8, Davis (portrayed by the late Henry Fonda). He is the main protagonist in the teleplay and movie 12 Angry Men, the eighth of the twelve jury members. 

In 12 Angry Men, Fonda’s character refuses to accept the view of the other 11 jurors that the accused teenager boy is obviously guilty. Juror #8 notes details about the murder case in question that others have missed. Slowly the rest of the jury is won around as their reservations are overcome and they become convinced that there are flaws in the evidence against the accused.

Critical observation requires a skeptical outlook. It takes time and energy. Question what you are being told, dig deeper than surface-level impressions. Do not accept conventional wisdom or the myths and rumors which tend to circulate in businesses and organizations. 

Stefan Stern,  visiting professor in management practice at London’s Cass Business School

Skepticism and critical observation rarely make a person nice and popular in the eyes of others. So, it needs to be rationed. However, such thinking can also help avoid a lot of unnecessary and damaging mistakes, both in personal relationships and professional fields.