The power of observation

This hastily snapped picture captures a once-in-a-lifetime moment... and the power of observation.

I was slowly making my way through a clearing on the West Coast of New Zealand when I caught a glimpse of a fawn, partially concealed in the tussock.

I saw the fawn.

The fawn saw me.

And then… it DIDN’T run away (…what?!?) 

Instead, it wandered around the tussock and started walking towards me. I couldn’t believe it. 

The wee fawn approached to within five or so meters and locked eyes with me for two long minutes before ducking off into the bush.

I heard a sharp bark from its mother from inside the bush line. My translation: “that’s the last time I let you out in a clearing …

This moment was, in part, the pay-off for taking time to quietly observe what was going on and not rushing in. I paused. I noticed. I didn’t crash in. If I had, the fawn would have bolted. Moment lost. 

It reminds me of how easy it is to rush into a conversation without taking the time to see what’s really going on. 

In commercial conversations, we often rush in, eager to convince, pitch, or respond. But curiosity works differently. It asks us to pause. To notice. To see before we speak or act.

⏵ What do I see?

⏵ What don’t I see?

⏵ What do I need to see?

In the language of Commercial Curiosity, this is about intentional observation - the quiet discipline of seeing the patterns, problems and possibilities before we step forward. 

It’s how we avoid startling the fawns. And how we get closer to what really matters. 

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🧐 Curious about Commercial Curiosity? It’s how we uncover the value others miss - and build stronger relationships along the way. Drop me a line if you’d like to learn more.