Author: : Shiyara Dassanayake
PCC | Attorney- at – Law | Life Coach | Corporate Trainer
In her TEDx Colombo talk, “Choose to Be Curious,” Smriti Daniel, an accomplished journalist, emphasizes the transformative power of genuine curiosity without prejudice. She posits that curiosity is not merely an innate trait but a deliberate choice that can lead to profound personal and societal growth. For leaders and professionals in the coaching community, her insights offer valuable lessons on fostering an environment of openness, continuous learning, and unbiased exploration.
The Essence of Curiosity in Leadership
Smriti Daniel asserts that curiosity is a necessity and a right to information, highlighting that society is inherently granted the right to be curious. She describes curiosity as a radical act that begins with a simple question. In the corporate context, leaders who embody this ethos can drive innovation and adaptability within their organizations. By encouraging teams to question existing processes and explore new ideas, leaders can cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and resilience.
Practical Steps to Cultivate Curiosity
She outlines three actionable steps to enhance one’s curiosity:
- Engage in Conversations: Initiate dialogues by asking questions, even when the answers seem apparent. Active listening can lead to unexpected insights and deeper understanding. In leadership, this practice fosters open communication and trust among team members.
- Seek the Unusual: Pay attention to surprises and anomalies. Curiosity thrives when individuals notice and investigate the unexpected. Leaders who encourage their teams to explore unconventional ideas can uncover innovative solutions and opportunities.
- Confront Personal Biases: Recognize and challenge inherent prejudices. By acknowledging and addressing biases, leaders can make more objective decisions and promote inclusivity within their organizations.
Neuroscientific Perspectives on Curiosity
From a neuroscientific standpoint, curiosity activates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. This activation enhances learning and memory retention, as the brain becomes more receptive to new information when curiosity is piqued. For leaders, understanding this mechanism underscores the importance of creating environments that stimulate curiosity, thereby enhancing employee engagement and cognitive performance.
Curiosity as a Tool for Overcoming Bias
Smriti Daniel emphasizes the importance of confronting personal biases as a component of curiosity. This aligns with psychological research indicating that actively seeking diverse perspectives can mitigate cognitive biases and promote more balanced decision-making. Leaders who prioritize curiosity are better equipped to recognize and challenge their own prejudices, leading to more equitable and effective leadership practices.
Implementing Curiosity-Driven Strategies in Coaching
For professional coaches, integrating curiosity into their methodologies can enhance client engagement and outcomes. Encouraging clients to explore their assumptions, ask questions, and remain open to new experiences can facilitate personal growth and adaptability. Coaches can model curiosity by demonstrating active listening, posing thought-provoking questions, and creating a safe space for exploration.
Conclusion
Smriti Daniel’s insights into the power of curiosity without prejudice offer a compelling framework for leaders and coaches aiming to foster innovation, inclusivity, and continuous learning. By embracing curiosity as a deliberate practice, professionals can enhance their effectiveness, drive organizational growth, and contribute to building the envisioned society. As she aptly states, “Curiosity is a necessity. It is a right to information. Our society is given the right to be curious. It can be a radical act. All you have to do is start with a question.”
So, my question to you is: How will you choose to be curious today?
For those interested in delving deeper into Smriti Daniel’s perspectives, take a moment to listen to her TEDx talk, “Choose to Be Curious,”
