The Power of Curiosity: Fueling Leadership, Business, and Relationships

By Joe Glaser

Curiosity in Leadership: See Beyond the Surface

As leaders, we often feel pressure to have the answers. But some of the most powerful leadership moments come not from answering, but from asking. When you're curious about the people you lead, you learn what drives them. You discover their strengths, their roadblocks, their stories. And through that lens, you lead not just with direction but with intention. Being curious about each individual on your team allows you to better understand who they are and what matters to them. It gives you insight into how they learn, what motivates them, and where they want to go. When leaders take the time to truly know their team - not just their performance metrics but their personal journeys - we unlock deeper engagement, higher retention, and stronger performance.

Curiosity also gives you an edge in developing others. When you ask questions like:

- What part of your work gives you energy?

-Where do you want to grow this year?

-What's one thing you wish I better understood about your role? ...

you're not just gathering feedback. You're planting seeds of trust and showing that development isn't just a checkbox - it's a relationship. Curiosity in Business: Outlearn the Competition In business, curiosity is the difference between staying relevant and falling behind. The most successful teams are those that constantly challenge the status quo. They don't settle for "how we've always done it" they explore new angles, ask better questions, and pursue better answers. Curiosity fuels innovation. It pushes you to examine customer behavior, dig deeper into data, and seek out new solutions. In my current role, I've seen firsthand how curiosity around customer behavior, team dynamics, and traffic patterns led to real-time course corrections that improved conversion and deepened client relationships.

But curiosity isn't just about processes and systems - it's about people. Being curious about your customers, your employees, your community - it keeps your business human. It reminds us that success isn't built in boardrooms - it's built through connection.

Curiosity in Relationships: Build Respect, Earn Trust

Professional relationships thrive when leaders show genuine interest in the people they work with. When we lead with curiosity - not assumptions - we create space for authenticity and vulnerability. And in that space, people feel seen, valued, and respected. I've built some of the strongest professional bonds not by telling someone what to do, but by asking them what they think. Curiosity levels the playing field. It says, I care about your perspective. I want to understand your why. It also helps bridge gaps in tough conversations. Whether it's accountability, conflict, or feedback, leading with curiosity changes the tone. Instead of judgment, it brings empathy. Instead of defensiveness, it opens dialogue. It's the root of Radical Candor - challenging directly while caring deeply.

Leading With a Curious Heart

Curiosity is not a soft skill - it's a leadership strength. It's what keeps us humble, hungry, and human. In a time when AI, automation, and rapid change dominate headlines, curiosity reminds us of our greatest leadership asset: our ability to connect, learn, and grow. So, ask the follow-up question. Sit in the silence a little longer. Be curious not just about what people do - but who they are. That's where real leadership lives.

Reflection Questions-

When was the last time you were truly curious about someone on your team?- What's a part of your business you haven't questioned in a while?

- How can you show up more curious - and less certain - this week? Let curiosity lead. Because when you stay curious, you stay connected. And when you stay connected, you lead with heart.