If experience is the greatest teacher, and hindsight is 20/20, then what can be said of observation?

Observation is defined as:

• An act or instance of observing a custom, rule, or law
• Observance
• An act of recognizing and noting a fact or occurrence often involving measurement with instruments
• A judgment on or inference from what one has observed

No matter which definition one may choose, employing the power of observation is a choice.

What derails us in this decision making process? The fact that we are often so preoccupied with how we are being perceived or judged that we don't - or can't - observe others with the deliberate focus that will provide us with valuable information and insight into the needs and motivations of person or people involved

Leading through observation and not assigning labels or judgments to events or people gives us the benefit of pure knowledge. Wisdom is the knowledge of an experience without the emotion.