The Importance of Curiosity in Change Management

How can curiosity help you grow in your career and personal influence? Curiosity only becomes power when it’s backed by proactive research and consistent preparation. It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about building just enough of a foundation to ask the right question — the one that moves the conversation forward. Last week, SXSW Sydney shared a clip of my analysis — and it’s a message I’ve seen play out in boardrooms, startups, and leadership teams around the world. 💡 One practice I recommend: each week, pick one business challenge or emerging trend you don’t fully understand. Identify two trusted sources — it could be a podcast episode, a research report, or a colleague. Set aside 30 focused minutes for a deep dive, free from distractions. Then write down three questions or ideas that came from your learning, and bring those to your next team meeting or client call. This turns curiosity into deliberate action, helping you contribute meaningfully when it matters most. 📌 It’s not about who speaks first. It’s about who’s already ready. I believe that the people shaping the future aren’t waiting to be invited into the conversation. They’re preparing for it — long before it starts. Because by the time the meeting is called, by the time the opportunity shows up, it’s too late to start learning. What are you preparing for right now — before anyone asks? Love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! #Leadership #SXSWSydney

Business Building Blocks: Curiosity It may have killed the cat, but it also built empires. 🏛️ In business, curiosity is one of the most overlooked drivers of growth and innovation. It's the foundation of every “What if?” moment, every new product, and every bold strategy that sets you apart from the competition. When leaders ask questions like “How can we improve?” or “What’s a better way to do this?”, they open the door to fresh ideas and opportunities that others miss. In my experience, the most successful businesses don't just adapt—they actively seek out new ways to evolve, driven by a relentless curiosity. This curiosity is what keeps you not just ahead of the curve, but also shaping the curve, fueling innovation, and inspiring your team. Remember, if you’re not asking questions, you’re not just leaving growth on the table, you're also leaving the fate of your business in the hands of chance. Take control, ask questions, and drive your business forward. Be curious. Stay curious. And watch your business thrive. 🌱 #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #CuriosityMatters #StayInnovative #BusinessStrategy #AlwaysLearning

In an environment defined by change, the best leaders are not necessarily the ones who claim to have all the answers. They are the ones asking great questions. Jeff Wetzler describes in a recent Fast Company article what many of us have felt: a pull toward certainty, which can close us off to new insights. And he proposes a shift in mindset from certainty to curiosity that is not just intellectually humble, it is operationally essential. The most transformative leaders I know share these qualities:   - They listen deeply before they decide. - They seek to understand. - They are curious, lifelong learners. At Baylor Scott & White Health, I see examples of this every day in the clinicians, leaders, and team members who ask thoughtful questions and create space for new ideas to emerge. Some of the most pivotal moments in my career began not with a bold declaration, but with a simple question: - “Who sees this differently?” - “What haven’t we considered yet?” - “What if healthcare was designed with the customer at the center?” Let’s keep learning. Let’s keep listening. Let’s keep asking questions. https://lnkd.in/gRcY8NXw

In Uncertain Times, Start With Curiosity—Not Control When uncertainty hits, the mind wants to shut down: 📋 Control everything 🤐 Say nothing until you're sure 🔒 Avoid risk at all costs But the best leaders don’t freeze. They lean into uncertainty with curiosity. Why? Because curiosity isn’t a luxury. It’s a leadership strategy. Curiosity unlocks three things: 🧠 Mental flexibility 🪞 Openness to feedback 🔄 Capacity to learn under pressure Here’s what it looks like: ❌ “I need to know the perfect next step.” ✅  “I wonder what might work here.” →  Replace pressure with exploration. ❌ “I can’t move until I know more.” ✅ “What question could help me see this differently?” → Questions create motion. ❌ “Everyone else has it figured out.” ✅ “We’re all figuring it out—in real time.” → You’re not behind—you’re learning. So this week, ask yourself: 🔍 What could I get curious about—instead of trying to control? #CuriousLeadership #LearningInAction #MindsetShift #PsychologicalFlexibility #LeadershipUnderUncertainty #xLEAD #AdaptiveLeadership Todd Kashdan et al. on curiosity and resilience