www.search-institute.org

Definition: The ability to see beyond a limited scope, which many people refer to, as tunnel vision. The ability to sense or gage the feelings of others when things are going good and when things are not so good. Which one is easier, sensing that things are going good or that things are going not so good?

Observation Activity: Pair up and have each pair take 30 seconds to observe each other. Have them stand back to back (so that they can't see each other) and have them remove three things from their exterior. Now have them face each other again to see if they can notice what is different.

Why are observation skills important?
This skill will help you in the following ways: (Mariam MacGregor, 1998)

• noting tension in the group
• noting who talks to whom
• noting interest level of the group
• sensing feelings of individuals
• noting who is being left out
• noting reaction to my comments
• noting when the group avoids the topic

Perceptions: If it is perceived it is real! At least in that person's mind or it could be a group perception.

The Developmental assets are 40 opportunities, skills, relationships, values, and self-perception that all young people need to succeed. Copy Right 1999 by Search Institute, 700 South Third Street, Suite 210, Minneapolis, MN 55415; 800-888-7828; www.search-institute.org. This handout may be reproduced for educational, noncommercial uses only (with this copyright line). All rights reserved.