Better Leadership through Curiosity

For much of my life, I believed that my value came from having the answers. Whether in school, work, or relationships, I felt an intense pressure to be the problem-solver, the leader, the person who could fix everything. Perhaps you've felt this too – the exhausting role of being the person who always needs to know what to do.

The cost of always having answers
This need to have all the answers comes with a price: it limits our ability to connect with others and prevents us from seeing the wisdom and capability in those around us. After years in nonprofit leadership roles, I discovered what many leaders face – achieving goals but at an unsustainable personal cost and not leaving space for and unlocking the potential of the people around you.

What changed?
When I embarked on my career as a coach, I started to truly understand a fundamental truth: one of the greatest gifts we can give lies in creating spaces where people can reconnect with their own wisdom. Coaching isn't about having the answers – it's about unlocking people's natural creativity, resourcefulness, and capacity to find their own answers.

Unlock the potential in people around you 
Think about the last time someone really listened to you—not to respond, but to understand. That feeling of being truly heard and understood? That's the power of curiosity in action.

Want to unlock more greatness in the people around you? Try bringing in more curiosity into your conversations...

As a Leader or Manager: Instead of jumping to solutions when team members bring you challenges, try questions like:

• "What have you already thought about?"
• "What would your ideal outcome look like?"
• "What's the part of this challenge that feels most important to address?"

In Personal Relationships: Replace advice-giving with curiosity:

• When someone shares a challenge, ask: "What feels most challenging about this situation?"
• When you notice someone's excitement, explore "What makes this particularly exciting for you?"
• When facing disagreement, try "Help me understand what matters most to you about this?"

With Yourself: Turn curiosity inward:

• Instead of brushing past an emotional experience, wonder "What is this trying to tell me?"
• When facing a decision, explore "What does my body want to tell me about this?"

​Your Daily Practice
Choose one conversation today where you'll practice curiousity. No advice, no solutions—just questions that help you and the other person discover something new. Notice when you feel the urge to jump in with answers. This awareness itself is valuable—it shows you where you might be limiting deeper connection through premature problem-solving.
Remember: The goal isn't to ask perfect questions but to cultivate genuine wonder. True curiosity comes from a place of humility—acknowledging that while we might have some answers, there's always more to discover.

Did any of this resonate with you? What might become possible in your relationships if you led with curiosity today? I'd love to hear your thoughts!