
I subscribe to the notion that quality leadership on the outside begins within. When we look within, we find our curiosity.
Learning is driven by curiosity and irrespective of age or experience, I believe the best leaders aspire to continuous learning.
”Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” This quote from former President Harry S Truman has always resonated with me.
Warren Buffet, one of the world's most revered investors, is still allocating several hours a day to reading and learning and he is in his eighties!
Learning is no longer confined to reading however. With the advent of audio books and podcasts, there has never been as many options to learn. We can absorb new information as we exercise, drive, garden or do household chores. Learning can dovetail easily into our busy daily schedules. We really don’t have an excuse to not ensure we feed our curiosity through one of these mediums.
When you consider your weekly diary, how much time is being dedicated to the acquisition of knowledge and insights that support your growth and development as a leader?
Curiosity is not confined to our own growth. It should also extend to our team. Being curious about our staff as people, their personal hopes and dreams as well as their professional aspirations provides X factor insights for any leader.
How does curiosity influence your leadership style? Are you asking your team the questions to gain those X factor insights?
Some leaders will suppress their curiosity as they fear exposing a lack of knowledge and/or skill.
A brave step for any leader is to manage their ego and be bold enough to ask the questions they need to ensure they are always learning.
An easier alternative is to submit to that fear and not ask the questions that we fear make us look foolish. However, this easy option will see us labour in ignorance as a consequence!
“I have no special talents. I am just passionately curious.” - Albert Einstein
It worked for Albert Einstein! Tap into your curiosity, make learning a priority, gain the insights about your team and don’t be afraid to ask the questions that you need to ask. Remain passionately curious!
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