On Curiosity

One of the defining characteristics of the modern world is a rapid and increasing rate of change. Curiosity is the way you learn and adapt more quickly.

Over the next ~19 days I’ll be sharing the key character traits of leaders from my book “The Leadership Lens”. These snippets are the key descriptions of how leaders think and act within the book. The book, of course, goes quite a bit further to give examples, explain why they think this way, how it contrasts with how most people think and what you can do to think and act more like a leader. Pick up a copy at http://www.theleadershiplens.com

The famed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson made a wonderful observation that all children are innately curious. He pointed out that, from a very young age, humans tend to run experiments. Kids bang on pots and pans to see how sound works; they dig in the dirt to discover how plants grow. Often, though, parents and teachers tell them to stop making noise and get out of the mud. Such admonishments unwittingly teach kids that curiosity can yield stern rebuke. While well-meaning, this approach can stifle the inquisitive spirit.

Leaders treat their education as an initial booster while sustaining a high degree of curiosity. Even in adulthood, they maintain an attitude of life-long learning for personal — and professional — evolution. Despite social mores, they are still inspired to make some noise and dig in the dirt.