3 POWERFUL WAYS TO CULTIVATE CURIOSITY AND SPARK REAL GROWTH
From Einstein’s Theory of Relativity to Disney’s Magic Kingdom, curiosity was the driving force behind many great creations...
Walt Disney called it the key to his company’s success.
“The key to making one’s curiosity more productive is to harness it,” according to Curious: The Desire to Know and Why Your Future Depends on It.
That’s exactly what this article is about – how to harness and cultivate curiosity to spark growth in you and the people around you.
Continue reading below the form…
To cultivate means to acquire and develop (quality or skill).
First you need to recognize that cultivation is not a quick or easy process.
From making wine to mastering the game of chess, time, effort and perseverance are 3 BIG success factors.
The best starting point is a willingness to experiment with eyes and ears WIDE open.
CULTIVATE CURISIOTY, SPARK GROWTH
Here are 3 ways with 3 easy-to-execute experiments to cultivate this invaluable quality:
Way 1: Approach As a State, Not Trait
Unlike chess or long-distance running, curiosity is a mindset, not a skill or natural ability.
By asking questions and taking a real interest in other people and things (beyond what you think you know), you develop a state of curiosity.
Experiment 1
Approach your next coaching or developing opportunity with the mindset of “dumb & lazy"…
Ask simple, basic questions as if you don’t know anything about their idea (dumb).
This will force them to articulate and sell their idea in a convincing way - a critical skill you want them to develop!
Let them come up with the idea/solution on their own (lazy).
Letting them do the brain work and withholding your input, if possible, ensures their full ownership!
DO model this behavior to spark the interest of your collaborators; it can also help break down barriers between job functions and departments.
DO NOT model this behavior unless you wish to cultivate a “culture of inquiry” among your team or staff.
Way 2: Before Walking Away, Challenge Yourself
Just because you’re uncomfortable or even threatened by an idea doesn’t mean it’s a bad one.
In fact, forcing yourself to be curious in times like these can produce some unexpected positive results.
Experiment 2:
The next time you’re feeling uncomfortable by an idea, ask yourself these 2 questions:
How might I/we actually do this?
What might the results look like if it worked?
DO challenge yourself to overcome skepticism in order to see the merits of an idea. More importantly, it sparks your creative thinking.
DO NOT ask yourself these questions unless you want your mind to start working on possible strategies and solutions.
Way 3: Listen Up & Learn
When I actively listen to someone’s story, I almost always learn something. Not only do I learn about something outside my world, it activates my mind and I generate ideas that I can apply to my own situations.
Experiment 3:
The next time you’re meeting with someone outside your company or even area of expertise, practice focusing 100 % on them and listening with a receptive mind.
Here's a powerful, highly effective 3-Step Process for Active Listening:
Listen with open ears & eyes, not mouth – withhold your input.
Ask clarifying questions only and regularly summarize what you’ve understood.
Offer tips or personal stories only if requested or the conversation is stuck.
DO listen actively to magnify your experience and knowledge ten-fold; it can also lead to new ideas and possibilities*.
DO NOT listen to others’ stories unless you wish to learn something new and spark your creative thinking.
CURIOSITY SAVED THE CAT
Around 2004 I met a guy at a birthday party of a mutual friend. He introduced himself as an Intercultural Trainer.
It sounded interesting but I had no idea what that was. I proceeded to ask him question after question until finally he invited me to be a role player at his next workshop.
A year later I was running intercultural workshops of my own. It was the beginning of a new career.
I learned to ask people lots of questions to discover new and potentially life-changing opportunities - even when there's no clear or immediate benefit.
If the founders of Airbnb hadn’t been curious about fixing the problem of not enough lodging in popular cities by allowing locals to rent out their private lodgings, the business would not have taken off like it did.
“Having a broad perspective and a wide knowledge base is particularly valuable in today’s work environments,” according to 21-century best-seller, 3 Ways Embracing Curiosity Can Change Your Life.
These 3 experiments are designed to broaden your perspective and knowledge base.
Do NOT take my word for it - go find out for yourself!
Here's an easy-to-use Experimentation Loop:
Act and create results
Reflect on results
Adapt and repeat