Have you ever wondered what sets exceptional leaders apart? In my journey as a leader, entrepreneur, and mentor, I’ve discovered that one trait consistently distinguishes the best from the rest: curiosity.

Curiosity isn’t simply about asking questions—it’s a powerful mindset that fuels growth, innovation, and adaptability. It encourages you to explore new possibilities, challenge assumptions, and embrace change rather than fear it. But don’t just take my word for it—science backs it up!

According to Anne-Laure Le Cunff in Big Think, curiosity triggers our brain’s reward system, enhancing memory, learning, and adaptability (How Curiosity Rewires Your Brain for Change). When we’re curious, our brains release dopamine, helping us better retain information and embrace new ideas—exactly what you need when navigating change.

As leaders, embracing curiosity can dramatically impact our teams. Claudio Fernández-Aráoz in the Harvard Business Review notes that curiosity is one of the strongest indicators of leadership success. Leaders who remain curious are more innovative, strategic, and capable of navigating complex challenges (From Curious to Competent).

I’ve experienced this firsthand in my business ventures across Africa. Companies that encourage curiosity thrive even in challenging times. Francesca Gino confirms this, emphasizing in HBR that curious organizations consistently outperform others, particularly during periods of uncertainty (The Business Case for Curiosity).

So how can you cultivate curiosity in your workplace? Here are a few practical tips:

1. Encourage questions: Make it safe for your team to ask “why” or “what if.” Encourage curiosity-driven conversations.
2. Embrace diverse perspectives: Engage with different viewpoints and encourage your team to do the same. This opens the door to innovation.
3. Promote continuous learning: Support professional growth through training and resources. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, writing for Harvard Business Review, suggests treating curiosity like a muscle—regular practice strengthens it (How to Strengthen Your Curiosity Muscle).
4. Reward experimentation: Celebrate effort and learning from mistakes, fostering a culture where curiosity leads to growth, not fear.

Being curious isn’t always comfortable—it requires vulnerability and openness. But the rewards, both personally and professionally, are immeasurable.

I challenge you to make curiosity your daily practice. Ask questions, seek new experiences, and encourage your team to do the same. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments—let’s stay curious together.

To dive deeper into curiosity, here are some helpful reads:

• How Curiosity Rewires Your Brain for Change – Big Think
• From Curious to Competent – Harvard Business Review
• The Business Case for Curiosity – Harvard Business Review
• How to Strengthen Your Curiosity Muscle – Harvard Business Review

Stay curious,

Tebogo