Be Curious

So many think they know everything. They manage by ordering people around, telling them what to do, making all the decisions and expecting everyone else to carry them out.

And yet, clearly there is no one who knows everything. There is not even anyone who knows everything about their specialty. How could they? There is so much going on around the world even in your specialty that it’s impossible for anyone to know it all.

If you ignore the fact that there are things you don’t know, your decision making will suffer. How can you make the best decisions if you’re missing important facts, ideas, the thoughts of others?

Somewhere along the way their confidence in their own ability to be right killed their curiosity. Curiosity, the best management tool ever.

Curiosity leads to asking questions. Instead of giving orders, ask questions. Elicit information.

Asking questions gives people the chance to share their ideas, their knowledge, their concerns. It gives people a chance to make the case for what they think is the right way to proceed.

Asking questions leads to asking for help. Instead of telling somewhat what to do ask them if they can help, can they be the leader of the task. Asking creates engagement.

Curiosity and asking questions bring people in rather than keeping them out. It shows you value them and their ideas.

Questioning leads to listening. And listening, listening leads to learning and better decisions.

Better decisions through building a culture of curiosity, questioning, and trusting in your people.