Curiosity: Unlocking A Critical Leadership Skill
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By Lindsay Bissett
“Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose.” -Zora Neale Hurston
Many of us have heard the phrase “curiosity killed the cat” but, in positive news for the cat, this is not the entirety of the phrase. The full saying goes, “curiosity killed the cat and satisfaction brought it back.” Curiosity is in us all. We will always come back to it. Humans, and most beings, are born with natural curiosity, a desire to know and learn. What if I told you curiosity may also be the most critical leadership skill of the future? What if I told you leaning into that feline curiosity is the best thing you could do on the path to success?
In an ever-evolving landscape of technology and rapid change, the role of a leader is becoming increasingly complex. As we navigate the challenges of the future, one skill stands out as essential—curiosity. More than just a trait, curiosity is the key to unlocking innovation, fostering adaptability, and driving success in leadership and beyond.
The Evolving Leadership Landscape
Gone are the days when leadership was solely about authority. In today’s world, leaders must possess a diverse set of skills to guide their teams toward success. Curiosity emerges as the foundation, a force that propels leaders to explore, question, and adapt in an ever-changing environment.
Adaptability is often also cited as a critical leadership skill, or as Forbes says the “secret sauce of leadership”. The foundation of adaptability is curiosity. Understanding, buy-in, influence, all must begin with curiosity.
Driving Innovation through Curiosity
Curiosity is the catalyst for innovation. Leaders who cultivate a curious mindset foster a culture where team members feel empowered to explore new ideas, challenge the status quo, and think outside the box. Embracing curiosity opens the door to fresh perspectives, pushing boundaries and sparking the creativity needed to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive world.
Navigating Complexity and Ambiguity
The future is inherently uncertain, filled with ambiguity and complexity. Leaders armed with curiosity approach challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. They build a relationship with uncertainty, using that inquisitive nature to navigate uncharted territory with a goal and excitement to find solutions to problems that might not have clear answers. Curiosity becomes a compass, guiding leaders and their teams through the fog of ambiguity.
Building Resilience through Learning
Yesterday, today, and always, learning is a continuous process. Curiosity drives leaders to seek knowledge, adapt to new information, and stay ahead of industry trends. A curious leader sets the tone for a learning culture within the team and organization, encouraging others to embrace change, acquire new skills, and build resilience in the face of challenges.
When building resilience is discussed it can induce cringe, but when the foundation of that resilience building is curiosity it’s often less scary. When we are in something together, with psychological safety and shared goals, the unknown doesn’t feel as daunting.
Fostering Effective Communication
Effective leadership hinges on communication, and curiosity plays a pivotal role in enhancing this skill. Leaders who ask thoughtful questions, actively listen, and seek to understand different perspectives create an environment of open dialogue, trust, and safety. Curiosity builds bridges between diverse team members, encouraging collaboration and unity in pursuit of shared goals.
Cultivating Curiosity in Leadership
Fostering curiosity begins with self-awareness. Leaders must recognize the value of curiosity and actively cultivate it within themselves. Encouraging a culture of inquisitiveness and interest within their teams, providing space for experimentation, and celebrating curiosity-driven achievements are essential steps in embedding this critical skill in organizational culture.
Curiosity is not just a desirable trait and it’s not just for cats. Curiosity is the key to successful leadership in the future. In the now even. Leaders who embrace curiosity empower their teams to innovate, navigate uncertainty, and adapt to change. As we stand on the brink of an ever-changing future, the most successful leaders will be those who lead with an insatiable curiosity, driving their teams to new heights of creativity and success.
Check out Leda Leadership offerings to support your leaders to build their curiosity muscle and inclusive leadership skills!
About Lindsay Bissett:
By day Lindsay is a Human Resources Consultant, with a flair for social media and mental health advocacy. By night she is a mother of two, green smoothie aficionado, podcast listener, and active glamper.
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