Looking back 15 years ago, I wish I had known one crucial lesson: it wasn’t about having all the right answers but rather cultivating a deep sense of curiosity. If I had embraced curiosity over the need to be right, I wonder how my journey as a leader would have unfolded.
Questioning my beliefs, particularly the belief that I have to possess the correct answers has been a pivotal turning point. Curiosity fuels the ability to absorb new information swiftly and take decisive action. This learning agility, I’ve come to realize, is a vital skill for sustainable leadership success.
Even today, when working with clients, I often feel the weight of needing to have all the
answers. However, I’ve discovered that taking a breath in those moments, letting go of the desire to be right, and embracing curiosity can alleviate much of that burden. Curiosity opens doors to new possibilities, allowing leaders to explore alternative perspectives and challenge their own beliefs.
Curious leaders go beyond defending their original ideas; they seek other possibilities and actively explore opposing viewpoints. By doing so, they uncover valuable insights and liberate themselves from the constraints of past achievements.
In retrospect, if I had only understood the power of curiosity back then, I would have approached leadership differently. Curiosity, a quality that propels growth and innovation is an invaluable asset for any leader aspiring to create a lasting impact.