The Power of Curiosity and Asking Questions
It’s time to supercharge your nosey Nelly and get geeky about curiosity – because, in the words of the great Justin Timberlake,
It’s time to bring sexy-questions back!
We’re Not Asking Enough Questions!
Questions Are POWERFUL.
They create connection, deep understanding and drive action.
And they can open up awesome possibilities and opportunities.
But a study in 2013 found that by the time we become adults, the number of questions we ask falls to around 25 per day!
Compare that to a 4-year-old who ask, on average, 390 questions per day – that’s equivalent to one every two-ish minutes they were awake – that’s a monumental drop in curiosity!
Now, I’m not suggesting you ask your boss 300 questions every day as I don’t want to be responsible for you getting locked in the basement (the paperwork alone is just too much work)…
But it IS important to recognise that as adults, many of us have lost our childhood ‘snoop’ and replaced it with a level of apathy that has left us doom-scrolling on socials for answers rather than asking our own questions.
Why Do We Stop Asking Questions?
1. We’re scared of looking stupid!
According to a recent study by the UK’s Institute of Employment Studies, a whopping 85% of employees admitted to not asking questions at work when they were unsure about something.
This decision is not necessarily about not wanting or needing to ask for clarity.
It is much more likely to stem from a fear deep-rooted in social psychology and even past trauma.
But it’s a huge number of people not finding answers because they’re fearful of how they’ll look or be judged by others.
If we are to create learning environments at work where our employees can be their full, authentic and brilliant selves, there needs to be a safe culture of ‘no silly questions’.
I mean, just imagine the impact on productivity and innovation if all those magical unasked questions were both asked AND answered!
And that starts at the top!
“no question is stupid if you don’t already know the answer”
Inc
2. Gender and cultural differences impact how we ask questions
A study by University College London found that women were two-and-a-half times less likely than men to ask a question.
‘If a man asks the first question, then fewer women come forward with questions subsequently. ‘
Junhanlu Zhang, Insitut Pasteur
When it comes to culture, British politeness means we often have a ‘backwards in coming forwards’ attitude – versus the good ol’ US of A – where Americans, are stereotypically more vocal, direct and positive.
Then there’s Japan, where there’s a strong emphasis on group harmony – versus Scandinavia, where their flatter org structure encourages more open and honest conversation.
And so it goes on!
3. We think we know it all
When we think there’s nothing left to learn, we become competitive and judgemental.
We interrupt, correct and leave our ego unchecked.
When we’re in this space, we’re choosing to be a know-it-all vs a lifelong learner – and that won’t get you very far when it comes to your development!
“A wise man can learn more from a foolish question than a fool can from a wise answer.”
Bruce Lee
There Are No Dumb Questions
As Carl Sagan wrote, “There are naïve questions, tedious questions, ill-phrased questions, questions put after inadequate self-criticism. But every question is a cry to understand the world. There is no such thing as a dumb question”.
In fact, ‘the only dumb question is the one not asked’…
So, if anyone ever makes you feel stupid for asking for clarification, you’ve absolutely got my permission to call them out!
[If people really understood] how beneficial good questioning can be, they would end far fewer sentences with a period, and more with a question mark.
Harvard Business Review
Curiosity Leads to Clarity and Creativity
The good news is that curiosity is not something we’re born with or without – it’s something we can nurture and cultivate in ourselves – and our teams.
When we ask questions, we:
- tickle our imaginations, seek out knowledge and foster a growth mindset!
- query the status quo and explore alternative solutions.
- get creative, problem-solve and have a greater capacity for innovation.
And not just that.
A curious team is more likely to:
- have open and honest convos and idea exchanges
- actively listen to different perspectives
- build trust, collaboration, empathy and teamwork
And that will ultimately lead to a more productive, happier workforce (happier employees are 13% more productive – just sayin’).
And higher profit!
Just think about the countless innovations that have sprung from a single inquisitive mind.
- the invention of the lightbulb
- the discovery of penicillin
- the internet!
In other words, curiosity creates a magical playground of discovery and experimentation.
And that can only be a great thing!
Questioning is a uniquely powerful tool for unlocking value in organizations: It spurs learning and the exchange of ideas, it fuels innovation and performance improvement, it builds rapport and trust among team members. And it can mitigate business risk by uncovering unforeseen pitfalls and hazards.
Harvard Business Review
Top Tips to Keep Curiosity Burning Bright
- Encourage open communication, active listening, and positive reinforcement: Reframe mistakes as positive learning opportunities rather than creating shame – no one knows everything!
- Embrace the unknown: During meetings and brainstorming sessions, try asking questions that go beyond simple yes/no answers to encourage deeper thinking and discussion.
- Challenge your assumptions: Create inclusive teams where different viewpoints and perspectives are valued and encouraged.
- Use the power of the hive mind: Lightbulb moments often come from a team’s collective brainpower and curiosity.
- Have a learning mindset: Provide yourself and your teams with opportunities to learn, experiment and have fun.
- Be a great listener: Take an interest. Be fully present. Listen to understand. Use a coaching approach.
Curiosity is one of the most important resources we have. It’s the spark that ignites creativity and innovation. It’s the driving force behind progress.
Walt Disney
Curiosity is Contagious!
When we cultivate a culture of awe and wonder – we will open ourselves and our organisations up to new perspectives, deeper connections, higher focus, increased resilience and a greater appreciation for the world and people around us.
And what’s not to love about that?
So, get curious.
Be nosey.
Ask great questions.
Because the more curious you are, the more you’ll inspire others to be curious too
Question Technique to Try
Try the 5 Why’s method made famous by Sakichi Toyoda.
HERE ARE SOME MORE AWESOME RESOURCES TO GEEK OUT ON;
ARTICLES:
- There’s no such thing a stupid question (Inc.)
- The Power Of Curiosity In The Workplace (Forbes)
- The Country Mapping Tool (Erin Meyer) *Paywall
- Erin Meyer Resources
- The Business Case for Curiosity (HBR)
- The Surprising Power of Questions (HBR)
- Unleash The Power of Questioning (Forbes)
- Why are women less likely to ask questions in public? (BBC)
- Four life lessons we can learn from kids (Banner Health)
VIDEO:
- Curiosity Is a Superpower — If You Have the Courage to Use It | Big Think
- The Culture Map – Erin Meyer
- How to Expand the Horizons of Your Curiosity | Simon Sinek
- Why curiosity gets you farther than ambition | Drew Lynch | TEDxNashville
- 4 things all great listeners know (TED-Ed)
Contact me for more information on how we can either get your HR mojo back, or introduce you to the world of real HR, well delivered.