In psychology, there are many tools for studying personality: tests, polls, questionnaires, conversations, and even experiments. But the simplest, most effective and accessible is observation.
First impression
Often people draw conclusions based on their personal observations: be it a relationship, a job, or a stranger. How does psychological observation affect our daily life?
The effect of the first impression is formed upon acquaintance and seriously affects the further assessment of not only a person, but also a person's actions. The brain instantly analyzes the information received: clothes, voice, physical attractiveness, demeanor and conversation - everything matters.
The first impression can play a cruel joke on the observer. In the absence of enough information, people tend to attribute non-existent qualities to others based on their first impression. This phenomenon is known in psychology as the "halo effect".
Observation as a method of collecting information
Observation from the earliest times is a great way to accumulate information and life experience. Use it to your advantage. For example, it will not be superfluous to observe the situation at a new job.
Suppose, after a long search and grueling interviews, you finally find a new place. For a while you will have a so-called "honeymoon" with work, when you like absolutely everything. However, it is worth paying attention to some points at once, so that later you will not be surprised so much.
What information was posted on the bulletin board? Congratulations to colleagues on your wedding day and the birth of a child, or fines for being late and smoking in the wrong places? This can tell a lot about the boss.
What is the specificity of the communication style in the team? How do the colleagues with whom you have to spend forty hours a week communicate with each other? How does the leader behave, in what tone does he give orders? You should be comfortable at work, first of all, psychologically, and you have to work with people.
Pay attention to whether employees are late at work? If so, why: during rush jobs or is it a corporate style? Still, the habit of working for free is harmful to both the body and the psyche.
What is the dress code for employees? White crows often irritate the team, remember this.
As a rule, there is a “gray eminence” in any social group. Observe who in the team has authority and whether you can turn to him for support. His voice is often decisive in serious matters.
Observation safety rules
It must be remembered that there are nuances when using the method.
1. The result of observation can be influenced by your mood, fatigue.
2. To make the assessment accurate, you need to devote enough time to it.
3. Recorded facts and circumstances must be repeated several times.
4. Be careful with stereotypes and labels: "Beautiful and smart at the same time do not exist", "Blondes are stupid", "All men love football" and others.
