As a youngster, were you known to have asked ‘too many questions’? Well, it’s time to thank your innate curiosity! In an age where innovation is what gives companies a sharper business edge, curiosity is emerging as a key trait for business and professional success (check out our previous blog on why curiosity matters in the organization). In fact, one can attribute the success of business icons like Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, and Steve Jobs, to their inherent curiosity and need to question the status quo.
What is it about curious people that positions them for success? Here are some insights for those looking to grow their curiosity quotient at the workplace:
- Be a good listener
Curious people actively listen with the intent of finding viable solutions to problems. They are genuinely interested in the other person’s perspective and can keep personal biases aside. This makes it easier for them to collaborate, explore options, and find innovative solutions in a supportive environment.
- Be inquisitive
Mere ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers don’t satisfy curious people. They ask follow-up questions that delve deeper into a problem, product, service, or new idea, to better understand it. This sincere thirst for knowledge creates a conducive environment for open discussion and encourages varying points of view.
- Be okay with being wrong
Curious people aren’t held back by the thought of failure. Being correct is not the goal in their rule book; instead, they pull out all stops to find smarter ways of doing things. Such people are more likely to uncover unique ways of solving problems and building new products.
- Enjoy the learning experience
Curious people understand the importance of continuous learning. They establish personal learning goals that improve their performance while achieving desired outcomes. This trait keeps them ahead of the competition as they sharpen existing skills and acquire new ones that are relevant in the future.
- Be comfortable with ambiguity
Some problems don’t have precise solutions, and curious people are alright with this. Having an increased tolerance to ambiguity in a dynamic business environment shows that the person is reliable even in uncomfortable situations. This trait is an indicator of a future leader who is dependable even during tough times.
- Be resilient
Curious people don’t give up easily. They’re natural detectives who view business problems with an investigative eye. Finding solutions is often a creative exercise for them, and they persist till they find the best-fit answer. Such resilience becomes an example for the team, motivating others to try harder and perform better.
Excelling at the workplace requires more than just technical skills – and improving the curiosity quotient can help you thrive in today’s environment of innovation and change. How do you plan to go about it?
