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Jason Alba
Practicing critical observation skills at work will help you bring more value to teams, projects, products, and customers. Learn more about these skills, and exercises to practice them at work, in this course.
Read more
Practicing critical observation skills at work will help you bring more value to teams, projects, products, and customers. Learn more about these skills, and exercises to practice them at work, in this course.
Read more
Practicing critical observation skills at work will help you bring more value to teams, projects, products, and customers. Learn more about these skills, and exercises to practice them at work, in this course.
In our normal workday, we need to be more collaborative, better communicators, and more aware of what is going on in the market and in our teams. In this course, Using Critical Observation on the Job, you’ll learn foundational knowledge to help you improve your critical observation skills. First, you’ll explore critical observation and how it intersects with critical thinking. Next, you’ll discover important soft skills to help you improve your critical observation at work. Finally, you’ll learn how to apply critical observation skills in different situations. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge of critical observation to bring more value to your work.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/n52yi4/using
What's inside
Syllabus
Course Overview
Understanding Critical Observation at Work
Developing Critical Observation Skills
Benefiting from Increased Critical Observation Skills
Read more
Syllabus
Course Overview
Understanding Critical Observation at Work
Developing Critical Observation Skills
Benefiting from Increased Critical Observation Skills
Read more
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Introduces learners to a skill that can help them observe better during their work
Provides practice exercises that allow learners to apply the skills at their workplace
Teaches soft skills such as collaboration and communication that are useful in work environments
Save this course
Save Using Critical Observation on the Job to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Using Critical Observation on the Job with these
activities:
Read case studies
Show steps
Review the concepts of critical observation and communication covered in previous courses or online materials to ensure foundational knowledge.
Show steps
-
Identify relevant case studies
-
Read the case studies
-
Summarize the key findings
Read 'Crucial Conversations'
Show steps
Gain insights into effective communication and conflict resolution strategies by reviewing the principles outlined in 'Crucial Conversations'.
View
Crucial Influence, Third Edition: Leadership...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book
-
Take notes and highlight key concepts
-
Reflect on how the principles can be applied to critical observation
Critical Observation Exercises
Show steps
Sharpen critical observation skills through targeted exercises, enhancing accuracy and efficiency.
Show steps
-
Observe a photograph or video.
-
Describe the key elements and details.
-
Identify patterns, trends, or anomalies.
-
Draw inferences and conclusions.
-
Compare observations with others.
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Practice active listening and observation
Show steps
Enhance active listening and observation skills through regular practice exercises, such as repeating back what others have said, summarizing conversations, and paying attention to non-verbal cues.
Show steps
-
Find a partner to practice with
-
Take turns being the speaker and the listener
-
Focus on actively listening and observing
Online Workshops on Critical Observation
Show steps
Enhance technical skills with guided instruction, gaining practical tips and strategies for effective observation.
Show steps
-
Identify and research relevant online workshops.
-
Register and actively participate in the workshops.
-
Apply the techniques and strategies learned to practical situations.
-
Evaluate the impact and benefits of the workshops.
Complete online tutorials
Show steps
Supplement the course material with additional resources and practice by completing online tutorials that focus on critical observation and communication.
Show steps
-
Find relevant online tutorials
-
Complete the tutorials
-
Review and take notes on important concepts
Participate in peer feedback sessions
Show steps
Engage with peers to exchange feedback and perspectives on critical observation techniques, enhancing understanding and refining skills.
Show steps
-
Find a peer group or study buddy
-
Share your observations and analysis
-
Receive feedback from your peers
Practicing Critical Observation in the Workplace
Show steps
Apply the principles covered in the course to a practical scenario, helping to contextualize the knowledge and solidify understanding.
Show steps
-
Identify a work-related issue.
-
Formulate a list of questions to guide observation.
-
Conduct observations and gather data.
-
Analyze data and identify patterns.
-
Develop recommendations or solutions.
Attending Industry Conferences
Show steps
Engage with experts and practitioners, gaining insights into best practices and current trends in critical observation.
Show steps
-
Identify relevant industry conferences or summits.
-
Register and attend the conference or summit.
-
Actively participate in sessions and workshops.
-
Network with professionals and learn about their experiences.
-
Follow up with connections and explore opportunities.
Contribute to open-source projects
Show steps
Apply critical observation skills by identifying areas for improvement in open-source projects and contributing to their development.
Show steps
-
Find an open-source project to contribute to
-
Identify areas for improvement or new features
-
Develop and submit your contribution
Critical Observation Report
Show steps
Summarize key concepts, observations, and insights gained from the course, reinforcing understanding and providing a valuable reference.
Show steps
-
Review course materials and notes.
-
Identify and outline key points.
-
Gather supporting evidence and examples.
-
Develop a clear and organized written report.
-
Share the report with peers or mentors for feedback.
Write a critical observation report
Show steps
Apply critical observation skills by observing a workplace situation and creating a detailed report with your analysis and recommendations.
Show steps
-
Identify an appropriate workplace situation
-
Observe and document key details
-
Analyze the data and identify areas for improvement
-
Write a report summarizing your findings and recommendations
Read case studies
Show steps
Review the concepts of critical observation and communication covered in previous courses or online materials to ensure foundational knowledge.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify relevant case studies
- Read the case studies
- Summarize the key findings
Read 'Crucial Conversations'
Show steps
Gain insights into effective communication and conflict resolution strategies by reviewing the principles outlined in 'Crucial Conversations'.
View
Crucial Influence, Third Edition: Leadership...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book
- Take notes and highlight key concepts
- Reflect on how the principles can be applied to critical observation
Critical Observation Exercises
Show steps
Sharpen critical observation skills through targeted exercises, enhancing accuracy and efficiency.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Observe a photograph or video.
- Describe the key elements and details.
- Identify patterns, trends, or anomalies.
- Draw inferences and conclusions.
- Compare observations with others.
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Practice active listening and observation
Show steps
Enhance active listening and observation skills through regular practice exercises, such as repeating back what others have said, summarizing conversations, and paying attention to non-verbal cues.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a partner to practice with
- Take turns being the speaker and the listener
- Focus on actively listening and observing
Online Workshops on Critical Observation
Show steps
Enhance technical skills with guided instruction, gaining practical tips and strategies for effective observation.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify and research relevant online workshops.
- Register and actively participate in the workshops.
- Apply the techniques and strategies learned to practical situations.
- Evaluate the impact and benefits of the workshops.
Complete online tutorials
Show steps
Supplement the course material with additional resources and practice by completing online tutorials that focus on critical observation and communication.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find relevant online tutorials
- Complete the tutorials
- Review and take notes on important concepts
Participate in peer feedback sessions
Show steps
Engage with peers to exchange feedback and perspectives on critical observation techniques, enhancing understanding and refining skills.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a peer group or study buddy
- Share your observations and analysis
- Receive feedback from your peers
Practicing Critical Observation in the Workplace
Show steps
Apply the principles covered in the course to a practical scenario, helping to contextualize the knowledge and solidify understanding.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a work-related issue.
- Formulate a list of questions to guide observation.
- Conduct observations and gather data.
- Analyze data and identify patterns.
- Develop recommendations or solutions.
Attending Industry Conferences
Show steps
Engage with experts and practitioners, gaining insights into best practices and current trends in critical observation.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify relevant industry conferences or summits.
- Register and attend the conference or summit.
- Actively participate in sessions and workshops.
- Network with professionals and learn about their experiences.
- Follow up with connections and explore opportunities.
Contribute to open-source projects
Show steps
Apply critical observation skills by identifying areas for improvement in open-source projects and contributing to their development.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find an open-source project to contribute to
- Identify areas for improvement or new features
- Develop and submit your contribution
Critical Observation Report
Show steps
Summarize key concepts, observations, and insights gained from the course, reinforcing understanding and providing a valuable reference.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review course materials and notes.
- Identify and outline key points.
- Gather supporting evidence and examples.
- Develop a clear and organized written report.
- Share the report with peers or mentors for feedback.
Write a critical observation report
Show steps
Apply critical observation skills by observing a workplace situation and creating a detailed report with your analysis and recommendations.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify an appropriate workplace situation
- Observe and document key details
- Analyze the data and identify areas for improvement
- Write a report summarizing your findings and recommendations
Career center
Learners who complete Using Critical Observation on the Job will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Analysts uncover actionable insights from data to drive informed decision-making. As a critical observer, you will be able to analyze large datasets, identify trends and patterns, and provide valuable insights that help businesses make data-driven decisions, making you a sought-after asset in this field. This course will teach you how to apply critical observation skills to draw meaningful conclusions from complex data, enabling you to provide actionable recommendations that drive business success.
Management Consultant
Management Consultant
Management Consultants advise businesses on how to improve their performance and achieve their goals. As a critical observer, you will be able to analyze business operations, identify challenges, and provide valuable insights to drive organizational success, making you a sought-after asset in this field. This course will help you to develop the critical observation skills you need to analyze business data, assess industry trends, and identify opportunities for improvement.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns that drive brand awareness, customer acquisition, and sales. As a critical observer, you will be able to analyze market data, customer behavior, and competitive landscapes to identify opportunities and develop effective marketing strategies, making you a valuable asset within this field. This course will teach you how to apply critical observation skills to gather valuable market insights, identify target audiences, and develop innovative marketing campaigns that achieve business objectives.
Product Manager
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for overseeing the development and launch of new products and features. As a critical observer, you will be able to gather and analyze market data, customer feedback, and competitive insights to identify product opportunities and drive product strategy, making you a valuable asset within this field. This course will teach you how to apply critical observation skills to identify market trends, understand customer needs, and make data-driven decisions that lead to successful product launches.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and delivering projects successfully. As a critical observer, you will be able to analyze project plans, identify risks and dependencies, and provide valuable insights to ensure project success, making you a valuable asset in this field. This course will teach you how to apply critical observation skills to assess project requirements, identify potential challenges, and develop mitigation plans that ensure successful project outcomes.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts enable businesses to improve their performance by identifying and solving business problems. As a critical observer, you will be able to analyze business processes, identify inefficiencies, and provide valuable insights to drive organizational success, making you a sought-after asset within this field. This course will help you to develop the critical observation skills you need to analyze business data, uncover hidden patterns, and identify opportunities for improvement.
UX Designer
UX Designer
UX Designers are responsible for creating user-friendly, engaging experiences across websites, apps, and other digital products. As a critical observer, you will be able to analyze user behavior, identify pain points, and provide valuable insights to improve the overall user experience, making you a valuable asset in this field. This course will teach you how to apply critical observation skills to gather valuable user feedback, ensuring that your designs meet the needs of users.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts provide valuable insights into the financial performance of companies and make recommendations on investment strategies. As a critical observer, you will be able to analyze financial data, interpret financial statements, and provide valuable insights to help investors make informed decisions, making you a sought-after asset in this field. This course will teach you how to apply critical observation skills to analyze financial data, identify trends, and develop investment recommendations that maximize returns.
Operations Manager
Operations Manager
Operations Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and controlling the day-to-day operations of an organization. As a critical observer, you will be able to analyze business processes, identify inefficiencies, and provide valuable insights to drive organizational success, making you a sought-after asset within this field. This course will help you to develop the critical observation skills you need to assess operational data, identify improvement opportunities, and develop strategies that drive operational efficiency.
Actuary
Actuary
Actuaries assess and manage financial risks for insurance companies and other financial institutions. As a critical observer, you will be able to analyze data, interpret financial statements, and provide valuable insights to help organizations make informed decisions about risk management, making you a sought-after asset in this field. This course will teach you how to apply critical observation skills to assess financial data, identify trends, and develop risk management strategies that protect organizations from financial losses.
Sales Manager
Sales Manager
Sales Managers are responsible for leading and motivating sales teams to achieve revenue targets. As a critical observer, you will be able to analyze sales data, identify opportunities for growth, and provide valuable insights to help sales teams close more deals, making you a valuable asset in this field. This course will teach you how to apply critical observation skills to analyze sales data, identify customer needs, and develop sales strategies that drive revenue growth.
Customer Success Manager
Customer Success Manager
Customer Success Managers are responsible for ensuring that customers are satisfied with their products or services. As a critical observer, you will be able to analyze customer feedback, identify areas for improvement, and provide valuable insights to help organizations build stronger customer relationships, making you a valuable asset in this field. This course will teach you how to apply critical observation skills to gather customer feedback, identify customer needs, and develop strategies that improve customer satisfaction and retention.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create documentation and other materials that explain technical concepts to users. As a critical observer, you will be able to analyze complex technical information, identify key concepts, and provide valuable insights to help users understand and use technology effectively, making you a valuable asset in this field. This course will teach you how to apply critical observation skills to analyze technical data, identify user needs, and develop documentation that is clear, concise, and informative.
Market Research Analyst
Market Research Analyst
Market Research Analysts gather, analyze, and interpret market data to help businesses make informed decisions. As a critical observer, you will be able to provide valuable insights on industry trends, customer needs, and competitive landscapes, making you a sought-after resource in this field. This course will help you to develop the critical observation skills you need to provide accurate, actionable insights about market dynamics, allowing you to drive successful business outcomes.
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
Software Engineers bring innovative ideas into reality by using the latest technology. As a critical observer, you will be able to provide valuable insights on team projects, products, and customers, maximizing your impact in this field. This course will increase your self-awareness by teaching you to establish context, clarify expectations, and iterate on ideas to arrive at innovative solutions to technical problems.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/n52yi4/using
Reading list
We've selected seven books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Using Critical Observation on the Job.
Provides a detailed overview of the observation method in social research. It would be a valuable resource for learners who want to use observation as a research method.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of critical thinking, including its history, theories, and applications. It would be a valuable resource for learners who want to develop their critical thinking skills in a more academic context.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the psychology of reasoning. It would be a valuable resource for learners who want to understand the cognitive processes involved in critical thinking.
Provides a collection of short essays on cognitive biases and fallacies. It would be a good choice for learners who want to develop their ability to identify and avoid cognitive biases.
Provides a framework for personal and professional development. It would be a good choice for learners who want to develop their critical thinking skills in the context of personal growth and effectiveness.
Provides a comprehensive overview of emotional intelligence. It would be a good choice for learners who want to develop their emotional intelligence as a complement to their critical thinking skills.
Save
Provides an overview of the science of habits. It would be a good choice for learners who want to understand how habits can affect their critical thinking and decision-making.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/n52yi4/using
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Time
66 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Pluralsight
Instructor
Jason Alba
Language
English
Good to know
Introduces learners to a skill that can help them observe better during their work
Provides practice exercises that allow learners to apply the skills at their workplace
Teaches soft skills such as collaboration and communication that are useful in work environments
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