One common denominator amongst great leaders, influencers, and business geniuses is curiosity. Curiosity breeds exploration and understanding, which in turn limits the premature judgment of ideas, solutions and other people.
Put simply by 19th century philosopher William James, “curiosity is the impulse towards better cognition.” In a 2014 report by Dr. Celeste Kidd of Berkeley Psychology, preverbal toddlers and young children were found to have had specific parts of their brains working to highlight new information and enhance retention when most curious. The idea is that allowing a learner to indulge their curiosity allows them to focus their effort on useful information that they do not yet possess.
How can leaders promote an environment that embraces curiosity? Here are five reasons why curiosity plays a vital role in our lives.
Curiosity promotes closeness. Connectedness between one another stems from our ability to listen both carefully and openly to each other’s ideas. Instead of jumping hastily to your own thoughts in a conversation or meeting, lend a genuine ear to what others have to offer. This will ensure valuable discussion and establish more meaningful ties with your compatriots.
Curiosity brings about more questions. Asking pointed questions that promote thinking and engagement cultivates a culture of curiosity. It is through the simple act of asking a question that we learn. Asking questions segues into deep thinking within others and drives innovation. As a leader you must lead by example. Dig deeper, go beneath the surface and ask relentlessly: What is that? Why is it done that way? When was it implemented? Whose idea was that, why? How does it work? What’s the benefit? What, how, how come, tell me more, why, when, where and who are essential tools of curious leaders.
Curiosity limits judgment. Judgment is divisive. Curiosity unifies. In the exchange of information between two people, there is a natural inclination to pass judgment. The curious individual will ask questions, while the judgmental person will not pay attention to the conversation and will move on with an element of misunderstanding.
As a leader, you don’t have the luxury of letting ideas pass right in front of you because of misunderstanding or rapid dismissal (judgment). Just think, have you lost any potential great ideas due to lack of curiosity?
Curiosity enhances learning. By enriching our worlds with wonder and new opportunities, we become intuitively explorative. Curiosity is the fuel for these attitudes. Acquiring knowledge is achieved more effectively when it’s carried by extensive questioning and open-mindedness.
Want to inspire others to learn more? Read more; but read topics unrelated to what you already know, learn new skills and re-learn skills you think you master, challenge yourself and soon others will follow suit.
Curiosity shows you care. When an individual genuinely cares about someone else’s mission, it will be evidenced by the amount of curiosity that a person exhibits. This curiosity will present itself in the form of real interest and constructive support.
By practicing curiosity, we become genuinely interested in other people, which means we will build more sustainable and meaningful relationships. Also, be ready to unlearn, and relearn. What you know and believe might well be wrong. I invite you to accept new possibilities and who knows, you might be open to changing your mind. It’s fun!
If you are ready to build a culture of curiosity and learning, let’s have a conversation. Contact me to schedule a conversation that could change the way you’ve been leading others here http://maricarmenpizarro.com/contact-mari-carmen/
