Curiosity isn’t just a trait—it’s a leadership superpower. Yet, in the rush to meet deadlines and deliver results, many leaders fall into the trap of controlling conversations instead of cultivating collaboration. Leading with curiosity isn’t about having all the answers or being perfect—it’s about asking better questions, embracing diverse perspectives, and creating space for genuine connection.
Article originally posted @Forbes by Lucy Paulise.
If you need help to improve collaboration, innovation, and engagement, the answer may lie in your leadership style. Traditional methods rooted in control and hierarchy can stifle creativity and trust.
In contrast, a leadership approach driven by curiosity—asking thoughtful questions, seeking diverse perspectives, and exploring possibilities—can unlock untapped potential, drive engagement, and reduce stress for all involved. Leading with genuine curiosity and assertiveness fosters mutual understanding.
Why Leading with Curiosity is Essential for Leaders
Leading with curiosity shifts the focus from controlling outcomes to creating environments where creativity and innovation can thrive. Curious leaders actively listen, valuing their team members’ insights and encouraging idea-sharing. This boosts problem-solving and idea generation and enhances employee engagement by making them feel heard and valued.
Leading with curiosity offers numerous benefits that extend beyond the workplace. It fosters psychological safety, strengthens assertiveness, enhances collaboration, and reduces stress for both leaders and their teams. These advantages create a foundation for growth, innovation, and resilience in any organization.
1) Psychological safety
When leaders embrace curiosity, they cultivate psychological safety. Team members feel empowered to contribute without fear of judgment, leading to enhanced collaboration and idea generation. A curious leader doesn’t need to have all the answers but fosters a culture of discovery where the best ideas can emerge collectively. Leaders can express their intentions while remaining open to input, allowing for deeper connections and greater adaptability. Letting go of rigid expectations encourages trust, empowering leaders and their teams to engage more openly and collaboratively.
2) Assertiveness: The Key to Balance
Curiosity alone isn’t enough—leaders must also demonstrate assertiveness to provide clear direction and foster accountability. Assertive leaders communicate expectations effectively, deliver constructive feedback, and promote open dialogue without suppressing diverse input.
One effective strategy for delivering assertive feedback is to start with a positive observation, followed by constructive insights supported by data or specific examples to reinforce your point. The key here is to differentiate your observations from absolute truth. Feedback should reflect your perspective and reasoning (your “whys”) while allowing space for the other person to share their own observations and viewpoints. By asking thoughtful questions, you create a two-way dialogue that fosters mutual understanding and collaboration. Finally, conclude with a clear, actionable next step to ensure the feedback drives growth and results. This structured approach empowers individuals while maintaining focus on continuous improvement.
For example, a leader might say: “I noticed that your recent presentation was well-researched and engaging. One area we could improve is simplifying the visuals to make the data clearer, as it took me some time to understand them, which made me a bit confused and distracted. What are your thoughts?”
By blending curiosity and assertiveness, leaders can ensure a balanced approach that promotes growth and trust.
3) Boosting Collaboration and Idea Generation
Curious leaders seek out diverse perspectives, fostering collaboration across teams and roles. This inclusivity enhances creativity and problem-solving while strengthening relationships. When leaders ask thoughtful questions and genuinely listen, they inspire their teams to challenge assumptions, propose innovative solutions, and work toward continuous improvement.
In hybrid work environments, where remote employees may feel disconnected, curiosity-driven leadership becomes even more critical. By prioritizing open, two-way communication, leaders can break down hierarchical barriers and create a sense of belonging for all team members, regardless of location.
4) Reducing Stress by Sharing Leadership
One of the most significant benefits of leading with curiosity is stress reduction. Leaders no longer need to have all the answers or shoulder the burden of decision-making alone. Instead, they can rely on their teams’ collective expertise.
When curiosity is combined with assertiveness, mistakes are reframed as learning opportunities, reducing the pressure to be perfect. Leaders, then model with their example how to foster resilience and adaptability, empowering teams to grow together.
Leading with curiosity means embracing a mindset of learning, collaboration, and assertive communication—all while finding joy in your work each day. By starting with positive feedback, engaging in genuine curiosity, and establishing clear action steps, leaders can unlock their team’s full potential while lightening their own stress load.
This approach fosters a culture of trust, innovation, and shared responsibility, reducing the unrealistic pressure to achieve perfection. Ultimately, it paves the way for sustainable success for both leaders and their organizations.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need personalized support to streamline your time management, boost productivity, or prepare for the final stretch of the year, consider one-on-one coaching. As a certified career coach, I help high-achieving professionals develop practical strategies tailored to their unique needs, from timeboxing to overcoming burnout. Let’s work together to help you achieve your goals with less stress and more confidence.
