OBSERVATION

Look, Listen, Learn

On this day, May 2, 1519, Leonardo da Vinci died. Da Vinci was one of the first to observe that people have many types of intelligences. He identified 25 intelligences; too bad America's educational system only has time to measure math and reading!
Sometimes I listen to professional athletes mumble their way through an interview and my first reaction is "Huh?" But then I remember that it takes special intelligences to transfer what is learned from film and scouting reports to productive skills on the field. Verbal skills may not be their strength but it doesn't make them a "dumb athlete."
One of his greatest contributions to thinking is the power of observation and keeping journals. I spent 20 years in an hospital environment and one of the first things you are impressed with is the doctor on rounds. As he or she works their way through too many patients, they make meticulous notes on their notecards or in their journals. They quickly review each case before entering the room, including the patient's name and key family members. Not only does this help them mange day-to-day patient progress but it also adds that personal touch that many medical studies indicate helps for faster recovery.
So what have you been writing in your journal? What observations have you made and noted? Da Vinci made notes, drawings and added anything that struck him at the time of the observation. His journals are priceless visions of a great thinker. By the way, an excellent book on da Vinci is "How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci" by Michael J. Gelb.
Heisenberg, a physicist, created his "Principle of Observation." The principle basically states that the observation of an object will change its behavior. Hmmm . . . if you are a teacher or a manager maybe this is one of those keys to creating more positive outcomes. Don't ignore anyone; instead, always have the time to "observe" or basically just be there.
So, if you think you might like to make great sums of money or just leave a legacy of good thinking, start a journal and begin observing. Draw your pictures, make your comments and see what happens.