Are You Curious? Successful Leaders Ask Good Questions

A curious dog.

Einstein attributed his success to being curious and asking questions.  He was seen walking around campus asking himself "what questions haven't I asked?"  Keeping this in mind I want to share an article with you from the Harvard Business Review (HBR).   The article entitled "Why Curious People Are Destined for the C-Suite" by Warren Berger shares insights from a PWC 2015 study related to CEOs.  

"McCormick & Company CEO Alan D. Wilson, noted that business leaders who “are always expanding their perspective and what they know—and have that natural curiosity—are the people that are going to be successful.”

It is also noted that although we may think that some personalities are more curious than others this really is not true.  Rather this is a state of mind.  " While we may tend to think of curiosity as a hardwired personality trait—meaning, one either is blessed with “a curious mind” or not—according to Ian Leslie, author of the book Curious, curiosity is actually “more of a state than a trait.” We all have the potential to be curious, given the right conditions.

Then the question to ask is what are we doing to cultivate a culture of curiosity and honest reflection to improve on what we are doing and to prepare for the future?  This article from the HBR is an interesting read.

About the author

Mike Gregory is a professional speaker, an author, and a mediator. You may contact Mike directly at mg@mikegreg.com and at (651) 633-5311. Mike has written 12 books (and co-authored two others) including his latest book, The Collaboration Effect: Overcoming Your Conflicts, and The Servant Manager, Business Valuations and the IRS, and Peaceful Resolutions that you may find helpful. [Michael Gregory, ASA, CVA, MBA, Qualified Mediator with the Minnesota Supreme Court]