In Look: A Practical Guide for Improving Your Observational Skills, Jim Gilmore identifies and then examines what he characterizes as six “looking glasses” to help people more fully and more richly observe the world around them.

I agree with him: “What we look at informs what we think about, which then informs what we act upon.”

The third is Magnifying Glass. Briefly, using a magnifying glass “pinpoints that which may not otherwise be seen as significant, taking time to put everything else aside in order to look ‘up front and personal.’ Magnifying-glass looking spots something to be seen within the overall situation.”

Exempla:

o “Let’s stop and look at this one feature in more detail.”

o “What is most significant about this? Let’s pinpoint the main point.”

o “We need to take a closer look. Let’s see what pulls everything together.”

o “I know the place is busy, but we need too spot the reason for its appeal.”

* * *

James Gilmore is co-founder of Strategic Horizons LLP and co-author of The Experience Economy: Work Is Theatre & Every Business a Stage, now published in 13 languages. He is also co-editor of Markets of One: Creating Customer-unique Value through Mass Customization, and Authenticity: What Consumers Really Want. Prior to founding Strategic Horizons LLP, Gilmore was head of CSC Consulting’s Process Innovation practice. His latest book, Look: A Practical Guide for Improving Your Observational Skills, was published by Greenleaf Book Group (August 2016).