The most underestimated superpower in leadership? Curiosity.
Not the “I read an HBR article once/ saw {this} on a LinkedIn post” kind of curiosity, but the real stuff. The kind of curiosity where you lean into the discomfort, explore the grey areas, and wander into the unknown
Most of us were rewarded in our careers for having answers and being technically capable. That’s what got you promoted. That’s what got you praised. But knowledge is overrated!
The leaders and teams I see thriving aren’t the ones clinging to the quickest solution or doing things the way they’ve always been done. They’re the ones who resist the status quo, who pause long enough to ask one more “why” when everyone else has moved on, who stay open, playful, and willing to explore new possibilities instead of expecting a different result from the same old approach.
When you lead with curiosity, something shifts.
💜People feel like they belong because you’re genuinely interested in who they are and what they bring.
🧭Strategies sharpen because curiosity cuts through assumptions and finds clarity.
💡Innovation flourishes because every breakthrough starts with someone brave enough to ask, “what if…?”
🪴Retention strengthens, because people stay where their ideas and experiences are explored rather than ignored.
But here’s the piece that often gets missed….. curiosity without kindness can feel like interrogation. Curiosity with aroha, with genuine care and intent to understand, creates trust. And trust creates space for something even more powerful….. vulnerability. #brenebrown
Makes sense right?
When people know they’re safe to be curious, they’re also safe to admit they don’t know, to share the half-formed thought, to take a risk on the bold idea. Vulnerability isn’t weakness, it’s a magical place where real collaboration, innovation, and extraordinary teams grow.
Of course, this takes courage. It’s always easier to stick with what you know, or to look smart by having the fast answer. But leadership isn’t about looking smart. It’s about creating space where others can step into their own brilliance. Curiosity, wrapped in kindness and held in trust, is what opens that door.
👀 So here’s my question for you…..when was the last time you stayed curious with kindess, creating a space for trust and vulnerability, instead of rushing to close the loop?
What might shift in your leadership if curiosity, not certainty, became your default setting?
#becurious #leadwithpurpose
Author:
Lisa Shaw
Chief Empowerment Office (CEO) / Founder
Radical HR
lisa@radicalhr.nz
029 226 8862