Curiosity: The Playbook for Winning in Work and Life
Curiosity is the spark that ignites both professional and personal growth. It’s the fuel that keeps us learning, evolving, and striving for more. Whether in the boardroom or in our daily lives, the more we ask questions, participate, and open ourselves up to learning, the more we grow.
A leader who embraces curiosity is constantly seeking to understand more about their team, their industry, and the challenges they face. This curiosity drives them to ask insightful questions, explore new ideas, and challenge existing assumptions. By doing so, they cultivate and foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation, encouraging their team to think creatively and approach problems from different angles. The benefits are immense: a curious leader is better equipped to anticipate changes, adapt to new situations, and inspire others to do the same. This openness to exploration not only fuels personal growth but also propels the entire organization toward greater success and resilience in the face of uncertainty.
As a former football coach, I remember one game where our star player asked, “Coach, why do we always run the same play to the same player?” My response was simple: “Because it works—until it doesn’t!” That one question led to a brainstorming session that ended with a new play that changed the game and how we coached going forward. It wasn’t just about the X’s and O’s; it was about the curiosity to challenge the status quo and the courage of the coaches and players to learn something new and see things from a different perspective.
Walt Disney, the founder of The Walt Disney Company, said this about curiosity that highlights the role of curiosity in driving continuous growth and exploration in both business and life:
“We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”
So, let’s channel that same curiosity in our lives. What questions are you asking today? What new things are you learning? Remember, every question is a stepping stone to growth. Stay curious, stay hungry, and never stop learning. The journey is just as important as the destination.
And who knows? The next question you ask might just lead you to your own game-winning play.
I Power Seeds
Here are our takeaways and thoughts - pause and reflect, then nourish and grow!
What can we say? Go out and be CURIOUS!
