Look Beyond the Verbal Cues to be a Star Leader

Title: See Beyond the Surface with Observation as your Leadership Edge

“All of us are watchers — of television, of time clocks, of traffic on the freeway — but few are observers. Everyone is looking, not many are seeing.” Peter M. Leschak

In today’s dynamic leadership environment, communication is more than just words. CXOs and senior leaders often miss out on critical insights by focusing solely on what’s said. A star leader knows that observation—both verbal and non-verbal—holds the key to understanding team dynamics, trust, and overall morale. In fact, real leadership presence demands more than listening to words; it requires actively engaging with everything happening around you.

Cultivating active presence??

Executive leaders often get caught up in tasks and execution, much like watching a sporting event through an iPhone camera. They focus only on what’s in front of them, instead of “being” fully present in their environment. By choosing to set aside filters, biases, and assumptions, and actively engaging with the world around them, leaders can gain a deeper understanding that enhances their perspective. Whether in CXO-level conversations or team meetings, actively observe how people react, shift in their seats, or even the energy in the room. This active presence can guide you in understanding what isn’t being said, helping you make better decisions.?

Building non-verbal communication

A study by West Monroe found that 42% of leaders develop their leadership style through observation alone. Non-verbal cues—such as gestures, eye contact, and posture—are the subtle signals that provide deep insights into your team’s emotional state. If you’re leading a meeting with senior executives, noticing their reactions is essential for knowing when to push an idea further or when to pause. Additionally, research shows that 55% of communication is non-verbal, so a leader’s ability to observe these signals can make all the difference.?

Emotional Intelligence through Observation?

Imagine sitting in a CXO conversation where one team member seems distracted while another overcompensates by speaking too much. If you can observe this dynamic and intervene tactfully, you’ve just demonstrated your leadership finesse. By observing non-verbal cues, leaders can gauge the mood of a meeting, the motivation levels of their team, or even identify signs of disengagement. Emotional intelligence enables leaders to tailor their leadership style to each situation, which, in turn, strengthens team trust and productivity. Questions you need to answer across the spectrum include:

What works?

What does not work?

What gets others sidetracked?

What makes conversations energizing?

What does a good listener do?

What are the results of being self-centered?

Where is this conversation leading?

Is there something for the other person to gain insight from??

Is my presence making a powerful impact?

What is their body language signalling??

What are the results of giving more than taking?

Impact on Leadership

Observation has a direct influence on how you refine your leadership approach. Leaders who are constantly observing and adapting create a strong leadership identity. Think about this: 73% of senior leaders say that presence and observation directly contribute to their team’s trust in them. When you’re aware of subtle shifts in team dynamics, it’s easier to course-correct and bring everyone on the same page. Leaders who master this skill are more likely to excel in roles that require high-level decision-making and influence, especially in CXO-level interactions.?

Star Mindset

Star leaders go beyond just understanding tasks—they focus on human dynamics. They realize that leadership is a long-term, evolving process. Star leadership is built on the belief that people are more than just their KPIs—they are the emotional engine that drives success. A suggestion. We all need to gain or regain our sense of wonder about new things. Take a different route to work, buy a different newspaper, listen to a different news show, take a run over unfamiliar territory, hike in the woods or mountains – without your IPod, try a different routine at the gym, eat a meal you have never had before.

3 Immediately Applicable Action Steps

Sit at a local shop and observe interactions between employees, managers, and customers. Note how they handle feedback, conflict, and praise. Afterward, write two things you learned, two insights about yourself, and two actions for improvement.

Watch videos on topics like teamwork or conflict management. Take notes on key points and your reactions. Afterward, list two insights about yourself and two steps you can take to improve.

Between back-to-back meetings, schedule 10 minutes for a mental reset. Use that time to reflect on the interactions you’ve just observed. This will help you prepare for the next conversation with a clear mind and renewed focus.

Conclusion

Leadership isn’t just about hearing what's said—it's about observing everything happening around you. When you focus on non-verbal cues, sharpen your emotional intelligence, and cultivate a strong presence, you unlock a deeper level of connection with your team. Being a good observer translates into being an empathetic leader, one who adapts and creates a legacy others may remember. Through keen observation, active listening, and a deep understanding of human behaviour, you can enhance your effectiveness and create a supportive and productive workplace. #BeTheStar

Author:?

Disclaimer - The views expressed in this article are Himanshu’s alone and do not reflect the views of his employer.

Co-Author: Coach Vikram is an Executive Presence Coach supports CXOs and senior leaders in mastering the art of reading the room and enhancing their observation skills. Connect with him to start your journey towards becoming an observant and insightful leader today.

References

May, T. (2022, February 15). Council Post: How Close Observation Enhances Your Presence as an Executive. Forbes. Retrieved June 2023, from

Earley, Peter. (2012). Observation Methods: Learning about Leadership Practice through Shadowing. ECPS - Educational, Cultural and Psychological Studies. 3. 15-31. 10.7358/ecps-2012-006-earl.?

?(2023, February 7). Top 3 myths about workplace anxiety busted. Executive Presence?: Assessment, Coaching, Training.

Orlean, S. (2022). How to Go From Good to Great Using Your Powers of Observation. Medium.

Tuggle, W. (2021). Leading by Example: What I’ve Learned From Observing HubSpot Leaders. Medium.

#Leadership #ExecutivePresence #Uplift #TeamEmpowerment #Presence???