Recently I was in deep discussion with a client—mapping out how to approach a big new initiative. We both left the conversation energized, clear-headed, and excited to move forward. I thought about what made it such a productive conversation, and one thing stood out: we asked a lot of questions.
And not the surface-level kind. Real, open-ended, "what if we looked at it this way?" kind of questions.
That moment reminded me (again) how powerful curiosity can be—not just as a mindset, but as a leadership skill.
Why Curiosity Matters
These days, with so many of us navigating hybrid teams, shifting expectations, and constant change, the ability to stay curious is more valuable than ever.
It's easy to default into "get-it-done" mode. I’ve been there! We’re moving fast, balancing multiple priorities, and trying to avoid dropping any balls. It feels more efficient to give a quick answer or fix something ourselves. But what gets lost is the chance to really understand what’s going on beneath the surface—and to bring others into the solution.
The truth is: curiosity slows us down just enough to make smarter decisions, invite more perspectives, and build stronger, more engaged teams.
What Gets in the Way?
It sounds straightforward, but even with our best intentions, curiosity can take a backseat to urgency. Some common things I’ve experienced (and sometimes contributed to!) include:
🛑 Tight deadlines and packed calendars
🛑 Thinking we’ve “already tried that”
🛑 Not wanting to look unsure or uninformed
🛑 Feeling like “asking questions will take too much time”
🛑 Wanting to appear decisive and “in charge”
The irony? Curiosity often saves time—by bringing others into the process and reducing confusion down the road.
And if you’re in a leadership role, people often look to you for answers—which can make it even harder to pause and ask, “What do you think?”
Here’s What I Practice (Imperfectly!) as a Leader
Curiosity isn’t just about asking more questions—it’s about creating the conditions where your team feels safe to do the same. Here are a few simple strategies I return to often:
1. Switch Perspectives
Try to view the problem from someone else’s point of view. What would the customer say? Or what would this look like if I were on the receiving end of the process? It helps break us out of our usual lens and often opens up a new way forward.
2. Change Your Scenery
If you’re stuck, move. Literally. Take a walk, work from a different spot, or switch up your environment. It’s a small but powerful way to shift your mindset and see things from a new angle.
3. Answer a Question… with a Question
Even if you know the answer, pause. Ask your team member what they think first. Not only does this build their confidence, but it often leads to better solutions—and helps you avoid becoming the bottleneck.
4. Be Consistent, Not Just Curious
Curiosity isn’t just something we “do” once in a while—it’s something we need to model regularly. Creating a curious culture takes more than one good conversation. People are more likely to speak up or share ideas if they know you welcome it, not just when things go wrong but all the time.
In summary, Curiosity Builds Capacity
Being curious helps us stay out of defense mode, embrace complexity, and find possibilities we might otherwise miss. It's also how we develop our teams, build trust, and create space for innovation—even during routine check-ins or status meetings.
Whether you’re leading a small team or scaling your operations, curiosity is one of the most underrated tools in your leadership toolbox.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
I’m passionate about helping business owners and leaders build teams that thrive—not just survive. If you’re feeling stuck in the weeds, or you want to create more space to lead with clarity and curiosity, I’d love to connect.
Let’s talk about your team, your systems, and how you can lead with more ease and less overwhelm.
Stay curious, friends. It’ll take you far!
In partnership,
Andrea Infelt Almaraz
