Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type bool in /home4/thepeo16/public_html/wp-content/plugins/osd-simple-table/osd_simple_table.php on line 17
Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type bool in /home4/thepeo16/public_html/wp-content/plugins/osd-simple-table/osd_simple_table.php on line 17
Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type bool in /home4/thepeo16/public_html/wp-content/plugins/osd-simple-table/osd_simple_table.php on line 17
Why Curiosity is So Important
How often have you heard the cliché “Ignorance is bliss” or “Curiosity killed the cat”? In reality, the benefits of an agile and curious mind have actually been proven by science – and common sense.
Have you ever been in a situation where you stumbled upon something that you didn’t even think to ask about? You’ve probably heard the phrase “I didn’t know what I didn’t know”.
It’s Better to Know…
I’ve had a couple of encounters with the concept recently. I suspect you’ve run into it as well; for instance, when you find the answer to a question that you didn’t even think to ask in the first place.
Typically, this newfound awareness allows you to avoid being blindsided by a future problem. It may allow you to capture an opportunity that would have otherwise gone without notice.
In either situation, it’s usually better to know than not to know. In other words, it’s better to have a broader sphere of awareness.
Increasing Your Sphere of Awareness
Your sphere of awareness is like a fishing net. The bigger the net, the more you can capture. If you can find a way to increase the size of your net, you’ll be smarter for it. The other way to capture more is to cast the net in an area where there is more to catch. Bigger net. Better waters.
But how can you increase the size of your net? The answer starts with the concept of curiosity.
We all have a natural level of curiosity that guides how much we seek new information. However, the degree to which we exercise behaviors that demonstrate curiosity (a thirst for knowledge, asking questions, and thinking outside of the box) is largely in our control. That’s great news!
Organizational Curiosity
As individuals, we can determine our level of commitment to curiosity behaviors. But curiosity is also a characteristic of an organization – and it can be a lot harder to influence than individual curiosity.
An organization requires a more systemic approach. Organizational curiosity doesn’t just happen. It needs to be nurtured, encouraged, and supported by the culture and systems.
Tips for fostering curiosity in your organization – and for you as an individual:
- Hire people who exhibit curiosity This is very easy to identify in interviews.
- Recognize and reward the curious. Encourage the development of opposing views.
- Provide prompts such as: ‘What questions have we not asked?’, ‘How would we do it if our current approach was not an option?’, or ‘What would Google do?’
- Ask questions. Yes, this sounds simple, but it’s easy to fall into the trap of sharing more than asking.
- Expect curiosity from every function in the organization that you would like to improve – which should be every function in the organization.
- Cast your net in different waters. Think about the people you spend time with in terms of concentric circles. The inner circle is made up of people with common interests (same industry). The middle circle consists of people with similar interests (similar industry). The outer circle contains people with different interests (different industry). Spend time in all three circles.
Albert Einstein said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” We’ll only change our thinking if we challenge ourselves and our organizations to be more curious. Our sustainability depends on it.
Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Excellent article. I am more curious already…