by Elizabeth Wordsmith

Created on: August 05, 2008

Writers study human behavior. The more observant writers are able to create true-to-life fictional characters. But there is no fictional character more interesting or complex than the real deal.

Many careers involve people-watching. For instance, the security guards at the mall are observing shoppers to prevent such problems as theft and disputes. Police officers are observing people for adherence to laws. Teachers observe the behavior of students and parents in order to help children succeed in schoolwork and to maintain an environment that benefits all students. I appreciate those types of people watchers. Their activities are meant to help us.

There are some people-watchers,however, who are scheming to manipulate us. Those people come from advertising and politics. Advertisers play very close attention to our buying behaviors. They are experts on what motivates a person to buy, especially non-essential products. They study demographics and human behavior and distill these facts into some kind of formula for increasing profits. Though they are sometimes my nemesis, where would the business community be without them?

Politicians study polls and demographics. Based on a certain set of criteria, they can closely predict the outcome of elections. However, this can be dangerous when it creates a wave of influence. People like to vote for whomever they perceive as the winner. People don't always vote their conscience. But that's politics for you-the art of persuasion.

People in the entertainment industry are also people watchers. To recreate a character, to have fodder for comedy, and to know what is entertaining, they must be close observers. Based on some of the programs, I wonder who they are observing!

Doctors, nurses, psychologists, and other people in medical fields are also people watchers. Primarily, they are looking for signs and symptoms of illness or wellness, and behaviors that contribute to illness or enhance wellness.

If you are a people watcher, one of these fields might be just the ticket for you. Any field involving people watching will be forever fascinating. For as many ways we are alike, we are different. Almost any job will require an understanding of human behavior and all the conditions that influence it: education, upbringing, social network, economics, birth order, health status, experiences, culture, nationality, age, stress, and more.

There will never be a shortage of work in the people-watching business, the most complex and challenging business of all.

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