The Incompleteness of Curiosity

There are thousands of books that tell you that a critical skill for a great leader or company executive is curiosity. That may be true, but I don't think that alone is enough. I know leaders who pride themselves on their curiosity, they're asking questions, they're being inquisitive. The only problem is they never listen to the answers. They pose a question and don't listen to the response. They pose a question and move on in their own mind to what's next. Curiosity is shallow and hollow without listening. It's a bit like being on a rocking horse....it gives you something to do but doesn't get you anywhere. Curiosity and listening, have to sit together. There's no point in asking questions and probing if you're not prepared to listen to the answer and consider what the other person is saying, feeling or the point they're trying to make. Curiosity and listening must be practiced together. There’s no value in asking and probing if you’re not prepared to hear the answer. Combine your curiosity and listening, put those two things together then you will be in the few. This applies not only to conversations with others, but can be applied to conversations you have with yourself. When you ask yourself a question, consider your answers. Sit in silence and think.  Photo shoutout to Gary Butterfield. ​