People watching is entertaining. As a trained sociologist I can do it professionally as well.
You can people watch (or observe) anyplace - the beach, food court, fast food, downtown, the mall - basically any public place that gets several people visiting a day.
Today, the setting is the airport because that is where I am.
Ever notice the variety of attitudes and demeanor present among the slice of life you observe?
Some people are in a big hurry - maybe didn't plan enough time or are just always running late. Maybe they don't know how to behave any other way.
Some are angry - with themselves, their spouse, their kids, and everyone else around them. You can tell this by the shouting, the swearing, and grumpy attitude,
Some are very important. You can tell this by the way they try to move people out of their way or run them down as they pass through.
Some are calm and polite. They hold the door open or let you get in front of them in line.
Some are self absorbed - not looking where they are going, expecting others to look out for them, or taking up more than their share of space.
Some seem to have little self respect in the way they look and carry themselves. Others appear to be very disciplined.
These are just a few random observations, but these people are not unlike customers that we deal with or may face from time-to-time.
───
For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, sales tips, insights, or strategies, visit my website stevehoffacker.com or my other blog homesalesinsights.com. © Steve Hoffacker, 2009. All Rights Reserved.
I enjoy the challenge of helping different kinds of people. I particularly enjoy the calm and polite much more than the shove you out of the way folks, but who doesn't?
I just love to people watch. Las Vegas has the very best people watching in the world! If I'm with someone we will make up stories about the people passing by. Silly, I know, but fun. -S
Jared,
The people who know what they want or who are interested in being helped are fun to work with. :)
Steve
Stephanie,
People watching is a little like watching a TV show with the sound turned down. :)
Steve
I like people watching as well. Funny how it only takes a few minutes to sit still, be quiet and learn about someone's demeanor. It gives us a better idea of how to handle them. This could teach us a thing or two. Shhhhhh! Listen.
Kim, Music City USA
I love people watching Steve. It is especially fun at a place like the Eugene Celebration where all of the strangness is on display anyway.
Steve.. I've been people watching since I was a child.. guess it was getting me ready for real estate. As far the the attitudes and demeanors of people at the airport... we get the same attitudes/demeanors of people coming into the office... don't we?
Aloha Steve,
It doesn't matter where in the world you are, people watching reveals the ubiquitous human condition, irregardless of sex, race, nationality, etc. It inevitably begs the question can you observe yourself.
Peace,
Steve, I love people watching... I have people watched since infancy as well... There is something about people that fascinates me?!?... Studied Psych... I like pets, but relate better to humans. :)
Hi Steve
People watching at the airport can be very interesting and you can see some very interesting human behavior.
Good luck and success
Lou Ludwig
Hi Steve:
It's what we do at the airport also, passes the time while waiting for your flight!
Kim,
Great insight. Thanks for sharing that with everyone. Very good. :)
Steve
Fred,
I wouldn't know about your Festival, but public gatherings are great places. :)
Steve
Valerie,
We sure do. That's why I cited the airport as a type of laboratory for experiencing people without interacting with them. :)
Steve
Kimo,
Thanks. I think we can observe ourselves - not from an outward perspective but from the way we act. :)
Steve
Lourdes,
I think some people watch just to be watching and others actually observe. :)
Steve
Lou,
I agree that you can such so many types of behavior represented at the airport. Often people are under much stress. :)
Steve
Toula,
In addition to watching, we can use it as practice for how we might realte to someone. :)
Steve