Why Curiosity?
Curiosity is one of the 6 inclusive leadership traits that is critical for anyone working or functioning in a diverse, equitable, inclusive world. Deloitte is the leading researcher in this area and has shown time and time again - that the best leaders are curious -- they have an open mindset, a desire to understand how others view and experience the world, and a tolerance for ambiguity.
Curiosity can come through formal learning, informal learning or non-formal learning and is an ongoing trait that is valuable in every single facet of our lives.
That said, we also know these 6 inclusive leadership traits don’t come easily. We’re going to focus today on building out this skill in not just a visionary way but a tactical way.
Here’s a link to the original article by Deloitte, laying out a case for curiosity,
The Business Case of Curiosity
Most of the breakthrough discoveries and remarkable inventions throughout history, from flints for starting a fire to self-driving cars, have something in common: They are the result of curiosity. The impulse to seek new information and experiences and explore novel possibilities is a basic human attribute.
So what is the connection to DEI?
For a long time, some of us have viewed DEI as a challenge and a deficit, vs an opportunity and an asset. During COVID-19 someone said, this is the one moment in human history when we are in different boats in the same water. We are connected and on a tipping point of global citizenship and curiosity is the answer to who will propel forward and who will be left behind.
So how does curiosity impact the world we want to live in and the one we want to create for future generations?
Curiosity has many far-reaching benefits but the six that are critical include:
- Consciousness
- Relationship Building
- Humility
- Critical Thinking
- Empathy
- Problem Solving
Even reading them aloud makes us all realize how transferable all these skills are.
Look at the journal page below - in what ways do you see these skills showing up in your life?