In order to achieve the goal of observation, preparation of the adult, the observer, is necessary. This preparation, says Hilla Patell, requires us to "have an appreciation of the significance of the child's spontaneous activities and a more thorough understanding of the child's needs." She discusses the growth of both the desire to observe through a profound respect for our work and the ability to observe through practical knowledge. She outlines the attributes needed to become an effective observer and addresses the steps to be observed in the child as he progresses toward inner discipline. She finally helps us consider how to find time for observation in a busy day. [Paper presented at the "Observation: The Key to Unlocking the Child's Potential," North American Montessori Teachers' Association (NAMTA) Conference, Part 2 (Denver, CO, November 5-8, 2015).]