| Word Count: 1,451 Estimated Read Time: 6 Min. |
The Curiousness of Curiosity
In looking at the multi-faceted concept of Emotional Intelligence for the last two months, we’ve been considering how it impacts professional success and influences behavior. Our Emotional Quotient is based on our ability to handle our emotions; reactions, responses, interactions, connections and behaviors with others. In large part, our Emotional Intelligence is what governs what we feel, say and do. That’s because human behavior is subconsciously driven by our emotions much more than by intelligence, knowledge, logic or reason.
This is certainly true in business decisions. Countless studies have found that hiring managers consistently hire and work with people who aren’t necessarily the most qualified or talented for the job (from among applicants) but rather they hire people they like the most and typically those who are most similar to them (gender, age, interests) and fit into that inner circle. And the research also shows that leaders tend to give opportunities to and promote employees they get along with best over those who are the most hard working, creative or capable. Even business partners tend to be selected based on emotion over talent, expertise or experience. Those emotion-based decisions aren’t rational… they just tell themselves stories to justify the decisions.
Given that emotions play such a huge role in business, understanding all facets of EI is invaluable. There are 15 core qualities that comprise EI including: self-awareness, empathy, social skills, self-control, motivation, managing emotions, internal motivation, customer relationship management, asking questions, leadership, strong communication skills, showing genuine interest in others, and learning. Two of these areas are connected: asking questions and showing genuine interest in others. At the core of these traits is curiosity… a deep desire to know and understand people and situations. But, just what is known about curiosity? Are you curious about curiosity? How does it work within us? Why are some people more inherently curious than others?
Curiosity is the Underrated Catalyst for Professional Success
Curiosity — often associated with childhood wonder or the investigative pursuits of certain professions such as journalists, scientists and detectives — is a trait that holds immense power for professionals across all industries. It is the insatiable desire to know more, to understand the world and people better, and to explore. While it might seem like an obvious asset for those in professions that demand constant inquiry – such as an R&D Engineer at a manufacturing company — its value extends far beyond curiosity-rich roles. Curiosity is the spark that ignites innovation, builds stronger relationships, and drives problem-solving. Curiosity is the foundational trait that sparks invention and innovation.
What is Curiosity?
Anyone who has been around a four-year-old for even a few hours knows that their favorite word is “why?” They have a deep desire to understand the world around them. But curiosity is more than just asking questions; it’s a mindset. It’s about approaching the world with open eyes, a receptive ear, and an inquisitive spirit long past the age of four. Curious individuals are driven by a genuine interest in understanding the complexities of their environment, be it the intricacies of a business process, the motivations of their colleagues, or the broader market trends. The curious like to snoop. They ask. They wonder. They doubt. They examine. They test. They push back. They tinker. But what they seldom do is accept things at face value. People with curious children or curious employees often find their curiosity invaluable and irritating in equal measure.
Researchers have delved into the psychological underpinnings of curiosity. Some theories suggest that curiosity is rooted in the brain’s reward system, with the pursuit of knowledge providing a sense of satisfaction. Others point to the role of uncertainty and information gap, where curiosity arises from a desire to fill in missing pieces of information. An average person will get on an airplane and trust that it can fly without having a full grasp of what causes the plane to lift off and stay off the ground. But a curious person will want to fill any gaps in knowledge and seek to understand how a giant mass of steel, engines, people and luggage can take off and land at will. Regardless of the exact mechanisms that trigger curiosity, it’s clear that curiosity is a fundamental human trait with profound implications for personal and professional growth.
While some people are clearly more curious than others, it’s important to recognize that curiosity is a muscle that can be strengthened. Factors such as upbringing, education, and personal experiences influence the development of curiosity. In the right setting, curiosity can thrive. In other settings, where inquiry and push back are frowned upon or even punished, curiosity can wither and all but disappear. However, with conscious effort, anyone can cultivate a more inquisitive mindset.
Curiosity is a Cornerstone of Professional Success
Curiosity is a vital asset in any occupation. While curiosity may seem like a natural fit for professions like journalism, science, and law enforcement, its relevance extends to every occupation. According to Zora Neale Hurston, “Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose.” Even in roles that may seem routine, curiosity can be a game-changer. A curious accountant is more likely to uncover anomalies in financial data, leading to cost savings or even fraud prevention. The salesperson with a curious mind is better equipped to understand customer needs and tailor solutions accordingly. An engineer who is curious about the world around us is more likely to develop innovative products. A financial analyst should be curious about the underlying economic factors that influence market trends. A customer service representative who is curious about the customer experience is more likely to go the extra mile to resolve issues and build loyalty. A project manager who is curious about the intricacies of different team members’ roles can foster better collaboration and improve project outcomes. And the best human resources professionals are those eager to understand the motivations and aspirations of employees.
The reason curiosity is so useful to all professions is that it drives success in three ways:
1. Innovation Station – Curiosity is a catalyst for innovation. By questioning the status quo, curious professionals are more likely to identify opportunities for improvement. They challenge assumptions, explore new ideas, and develop creative solutions to problems. Whether it’s a marketing executive seeking novel ways to reach and dazzle customers or an engineer designing a more efficient product, curiosity is the driving force behind groundbreaking advancements.
2. Relationship Development – Building strong relationships is another area where curiosity excels. People are naturally drawn to those who show genuine interest in them. By asking thoughtful questions and actively listening, curious professionals create a sense of connection and trust. This ability to build rapport is invaluable in sales, leadership, and any role that involves interacting with others. A genuine interest in others is an important part of leadership.
3. Risk Mitigation – Curiosity is also a powerful tool for problem-solving. When faced with challenges, curious individuals are more likely to seek out information, analyze the situation from multiple perspectives, and develop comprehensive solutions. This systematic approach to problem-solving reduces the risk of costly mistakes.
Cultivating Curiosity
To harness the power of curiosity, it’s essential to create a culture that values inquiry. Flat organizations that encourage people to speak their mind, challenge SOPs and try new things are providing a curiosity-nurturing environment. Organizations can also foster curiosity by encouraging questions, rewarding experimentation, and providing opportunities for learning and development. Individuals can also take steps to increase their own curiosity. Here are eight practical tips:
- Embrace a growth mindset. Believe in your ability to learn, grow, and view challenges as opportunities for development.
- Practice active listening. Pay attention to what others are saying, both verbally and non-verbally. Ask clarifying questions to deepen your understanding.
- Seek diverse perspectives. Engage with people from different backgrounds and viewpoints to broaden your horizons.
- Explore new interests. Step outside your comfort zone and try new activities or hobbies.
- Question assumptions. Challenge your own beliefs and the conventional wisdom in your field.
- Read widely. Expand your knowledge base by exploring different subjects and genres.
- Keep a curiosity journal. Document your thoughts, questions, and discoveries to track your progress.
- Ask dumb questions. Ask away, even what you think is a dumb question because, for the curious, there really are no dumb questions.
By cultivating curiosity, professionals can unlock their full potential, drive innovation, build stronger relationships, and achieve greater success. It’s a journey of lifelong learning and discovery that can be both personally rewarding and professionally transformative. Let’s face it, curiosity may have killed the cat, but it also birthed a lot of creative ideas. So be curious!
Quote of the Week
“We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” Walt Disney
© 2024, Keren Peters-Atkinson. All rights reserved.
The post Why Emotional Intelligence is the Most Valuable Currency in Business, Part 7 first appeared on Monday Mornings with Madison.