When I first joined SUMMIT the favourite of our values was Be Yourself. And to be honest, it has served me well.
Showing up as me—not a polished version, not a corporate mask—has helped me build genuine connections and lasting trust throughout my career. It’s also much less exhausting than trying to be someone else!
But recently, I’ve found myself drawn more and more to another of our values: Be Curious.
And in a world of AI, automation, and surface-level scrolling, I think it might just be the most powerful tool we have.
Curiosity is what makes the difference between:
- A “tick box” team meeting vs. a transformative conversation
- A one-off transaction vs. a lasting customer relationship
- A leader who manages vs. a leader who inspires
- A child who memorises facts vs. one who learns how to think
It’s also what AI can’t replicate: the human spark that wonders “What if?”, “Why not?”, and “Could we do this differently?”
So how do we nurture curiosity?
I’ve been digging into the research (as you’d expect from someone whose value is “be curious” 😉), and here’s what stands out:
1. Ask better questions. 🔍
Harvard’s Todd Kashdan, author of Curious?, says curiosity is sparked not by answers, but by the right kinds of questions. Something we see all the time in our YAB (Your Affordable Board) meetings. So rather than asking your team “Did you do X?” try:
- “What surprised you this week?”
- “What’s something we’re not talking about that we should be?”
- “What’s one thing that could make this 10% better?”
2. Make it safe to not know.🧠
Curiosity shrivels in high-pressure, judgment-heavy environments. I was lucky enough to work for someone early in my career who made it okay to say “I don’t know… but I’d love to find out,” he invited innovation. Psychological safety isn’t a buzzword—it’s the soil that curiosity grows in.
3. Encourage exploration, not just efficiency.🪴
Of course we want things done. But some of the best ideas don’t come from getting things done faster—they come from looking sideways. Encouraging curiosity means making space to explore, tinker, test, and even get a little lost before finding the right path.
It also means stepping away from your screens or podcasts for a moment and letting your thoughts wander. I’m aiming for 2 x 15 min walks a day without my phone…I’m a little behind target 😉but it was on one of these I started to think about the power of curiosity.
From classroom to boardroom 🌱
At a recent parents’ evening, my son’s teacher said:
“Reading is one of the best things anyone can do to expand their mind and their vocabulary.”
It’s simple advice—but it speaks volumes. Whether it’s fiction, a podcast, a documentary, or just a great conversation… curiosity keeps us growing.
So whether you’re leading a team or learning to lead yourself—ask the next question. Follow the interesting thread. Challenge the “we’ve always done it this way.”
Maybe even find someone else to ask those challenging questions…I know a person who could help 😉!
In a world full of certainty and shortcuts, be the one who wonders.
