Episode 13: The Magic of Curiosity [in Leadership]
Authentic Engagement
We genuinely want our employees to be and feel engaged and connected. Leaders who are authentically curious cultivate that connection. Let’s talk about it. Enjoy!
Listen Here:
(The notes below are only a brief summary of what is discussed in the podcast. Be sure to listen to get all of the goodness! If you would like a full transcription of the episode, please send an email request to: angie@angie-robinson.com. We’d be happy to provide that!)
This is what I believe. Curiosity cultivates compassion and connection.
Curiosity is simply a strong desire to know or learn something. And it is both a leadership AND a life skill.
Why is curiosity important in leadership?
Curiosity is an "elite" communication skill. If there was ever a time that establishing relationships and increased employee engagement is needed, it's now.
It allows you to be sure you are addressing the right thing at the right time. People are complex. We all have essential human needs - mixed with our own individual emotions, thoughts, experiences, etc. Making assumptions can be dangerous. Getting curious can remedy that.
Since curiosity cultivates connection - it can lead to increased engagement. This happens when people feel seen, heard and valued.
It leads to new ideas and increases innovation.
What are barriers to being more curious?
“There isn’t enough time” or there are other priorities.
Fear of the answer. If you get curious - you might find out information that you don’t actually want to know!
Fear of being judged
Fear of losing control
How can you cultivate curiosity?
It’s not as easy as just “asking questions”. You need to actually create the space for curiosity and for the right mindset.
Start with yourself - get curious and challenge your own thoughts. Ask things like:
What am I making that mean?
Why do I think this way?
What is another way to look at it?
Understand other’s communication and personality style. This helps with knowing how to approach curiosity with the individual most effectively
Actively listen
Create a space of authenticity, trust, openness and follow through
Celebrate when others ask big questions. This will help to offset the fear of speaking up, etc.
When you DO Ask questions- go three deep. Often the first response is only a surface response.
I love this quote:
“When you’re curious you find lots of interesting things to do.” Walt Disney
You also find lots of interesting things to do, see, learn, grow from and explore!
Your challenge is to get more curious. With yourself. With your team.
What do you have to lose??
What do you think?
Are you skilled at curiosity?
What might stop you from being curious?
Come join the Community
Join leaders just like yourself who are looking to increase their leadership confidence and positively impact the world around them. Click here: The Practically Perfect Leader Community
Please leave a review in Apple Podcasts + share with a friend
It will help others find the podcast - the more leaders we can impact - the better our workplaces and lives will be!
Schedule a FREE Consult
Click here to schedule some time - let’s talk about how we can work together through one-on-one coaching, Insights Discovery workshops or other leadership development work!