Decoding Curiosity: Exploring the 5 Dimensions and Finding Your Profile

One of my favorite quotes about curiosity comes from the dart scene in Ted Lasso. If you've seen it, you know what I'm talking about. (and probably have watched it 13 times on YouTube)   For the rest of us, here's an extended excerpt from the scene: *SPOILER ALERT*     “Guys have underestimated me my entire life, and for years, I never understood why – it used to really bother me. Then, one day, I was driving my little boy to school, and I saw a quote by Walt Whitman; it was painted on the wall there and it said, ‘Be curious, not judgmental.’ I like that.” (Ted throws a dart.)   “So, I get back in my car and I’m driving to work, and all of a sudden, it hits me – all them fellas that used to belittle me, not a single one of them was curious. You know, they thought they had everything all figured out, so they judged everything, and they judged everyone. And I realized that their underestimating me – who I was had nothing to do with it. Because if they were curious, they would’ve asked questions. Questions like, ‘Have you played a lot of darts, Ted?’” (Ted throws another dart.)   “To which I would have answered, ‘Yes sir. Every Sunday afternoon at a sports bar with my father from age ten until I was 16 when he passed away.’ Barbecue sauce.” (Ted throws a double bullseye to win the game.)       *Wipes tear from eye to keep reading*   When we starve our curiosity, we're neglecting a significant part of what being human is all about.   In the following few lines, I want to showcase the nuanced consequences of sidelining curiosity, and the tangible losses incurred when the flame of inquisitiveness flickers.   Missed Opportunities: Neglecting curiosity often translates into missed opportunities, both professionally and personally. Imagine passing up on a chance to learn a new skill, explore a different career path, or connect with potential mentors. These unexplored avenues could have been gateways to personal development and unforeseen achievements. Stagnation: A lack of curiosity results in stagnation. Failure to seek new knowledge and experiences is a slow death for our organizations. How often do you do what you've always done because that's what we've always done? Yikes. The dynamic nature of life & competition demands a constant flow of curiosity to propel us forward, preventing us from becoming stuck in a monotonous routine. Shallow Relationships: Neglecting empathic curiosity hinders our ability to form deep, meaningful connections with others. Superficial interactions devoid of genuine interest in someone's thoughts, feelings, and experiences lead to relationships that lack depth and understanding. Lack of Innovation: Curiosity is the heartbeat of innovation. Without it, creative thinking dwindles, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances weakens. A lack of curiosity stifles the flow of fresh ideas, hindering innovation and the capacity to solve complex problems. Closed-Mindedness: Avoiding conflictual curiosity (see "Decoding Curiosity" blog), contributes to closed-mindedness. Without engaging with diverse perspectives and challenging our own beliefs, we risk becoming entrenched in narrow ways of thinking. This closed-mindedness limits our ability to adapt to new information and hinders personal growth. Rekindling Curiosity: Rekindling curiosity is not only possible but transformative. Embrace the following strategies to reignite the flame of curiosity in your life: Ask Questions: Cultivate a habit of asking questions about the world around you. Curiosity often begins with a simple inquiry. What if? Why not? How could we? Explore New Hobbies: Dive into activities outside your comfort zone. Whether it's learning a musical instrument, trying a new sport, or picking up a hobby, novelty sparks curiosity. Read Widely: Expand your reading list to include diverse genres and subjects. Reading exposes you to new ideas and perspectives, fueling your intellectual curiosity. Engage in Conversations: Actively listen and engage in meaningful conversations with people from different backgrounds. Embrace the diversity of thought that others bring to the table. Challenge Your Assumptions: Deliberately seek out information and people that challenge your existing beliefs. This practice fosters conflictual curiosity and opens your mind to alternative viewpoints. Stay Curious About Curiosity: Reflect on your own curiosity regularly. What topics ignite your interest? How do you approach challenges and unknowns? Understanding your curiosity profile can guide you toward areas of personal growth.   NEED MORE? Connect with us on YouTube and LinkedIn for more fun and engaging free content.   Visit our sponsor, CCB Technology, to get your IT fixed.

This is part one of three blog posts that explore the multifaceted role of authentic encouragement in building trust within teams. From nurturing authenticity and positive communication to empowering team members and resolving conflicts constructively, authentic encouragement is a powerful tool for creating cohesive and trusting teams.   As leaders, our words carry a particular weight. As Patrick Booth says, "A leader's words can be gold in the pocket or an anchor around the neck."  So, how do leaders put courage into our people and avoid the thin ice of flattery? Let's get some definitions laid out.   In episode 719 of the Ask Pastor John podcast, John Piper tackles this question from a listener and lays out several helpful pieces of advice. First, let's look at flattery, Pastor John says this:    "I think the key difference between good praise and bad flattery is this: Flattery is bad because it’s calculated. It is given with a view to obtaining some advantage (Jude 16). Flattery may be true, or it may be not true. That is not the issue. You may be saying something true about somebody and still be flattering. The issue is whether it is calculated to achieve some purpose that is not rooted in the authentic, spontaneous delight that we take in the virtue we are praising." (I had to listen to the episode a few times to grasp what was being said. If you need to re-read this, you’re normal)   He goes on to say, "In other words, the key mark of genuine, non-flattering praise is that it’s the overflow of authentic delight in what we are observing about the other person. It is the opposite of calculation. It is spontaneous. C.S. Lewis, in one of my favorite quotes, says, “We delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not only expresses but completes the enjoyment; it is its appointed consummation” (Reflections on the Psalms, 111)." Let’s recap.   Flattery might be true or untrue, but the motive is to gain something by complimenting. Flattery is terrible because it’s calculated and manipulative. Disingenuous.   Flip it.   Authentic praise is often spontaneous and comes from the overflow of what we’re experiencing. Authentic praise is good because it builds up and builds into another person. How does this type of encouragement build trusting teams? 1. Authenticity Builds Trust: When team members are authentic in their interactions, it creates an environment where everyone feels safe to be themselves. This authenticity fosters trust because individuals know they can rely on each other's honesty and sincerity.   When demonstrated by the authority figure, it brings your mission statement to life. Feedback is given for the good of the team, not just to build ones own social status.   2. Genuine Appreciation Strengthens Bonds: Expressing genuine appreciation for specific contributions or efforts reinforces the idea that team members are valued. This recognition strengthens the bonds among team members, contributing to a sense of trust and respect.   We must say simple words and phrases like, “Thank you,” “Great job,” or “I noticed how you took care of that customer/donor/issue.”   Word of caution: Saying to a rep, “Thank you for contributing your $1.50 in production last month!” doesn’t build confidence when the team goal was $1 million. They know they fell short. You know they fell short. Remember, authenticity should precede praise.    3. Open Communication Thrives: Authentic encouragement encourages open and transparent communication. Team members are more likely to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas when they trust their contributions will be considered genuinely. Key question: When was the last time you, as a leader, demonstrated open and transparent communication?   4. Empowerment Drives Accountability: Authentic encouragement acknowledges the agency and impact of team members. This empowerment leads to a sense of ownership and accountability, as individuals are trusted to make decisions and take initiative.   Empowerment indicates the dissemination of decision-making. Delegating. AKA, stop being a control freak.   5. Conflict Resolution Becomes Constructive: In teams built on trust, conflicts can be addressed openly and constructively. Team members know that disagreements will be approached with respect and a genuine desire to find solutions, further solidifying trust.   Healthy teams have healthy conflict.   Authentic encouragement is a cornerstone in the foundation of trusting teams. It cultivates authenticity, open communication, mutual support, and empowerment, all of which contribute to a team's ability to work harmoniously and achieve its goals.   NEED MORE? Connect with us on YouTube and LinkedIn for more fun and engaging free content. Visit our sponsor, CCB Technology, to get your IT fixed.