Leaders often feel the weight of expectations: delivering solutions, inspiring confidence, and showing up as the smartest person in the room. But what if the bravest act of leadership isn’t providing answers? What if it’s as simple—and as difficult—as asking the right questions with an open mind and open hands?
Living with curiosity is the ultimate act of courageous leadership. Here’s why and how it can transform your leadership journey.
What Does It Mean to Lead With Curiosity?
A Posture of Openness
Leading with curiosity starts with openness. It means approaching situations, people, and challenges by asking, “What if?” rather than assuming, “This won’t work.”
Example: Think about the last time someone pitched an unconventional idea to you. Did you dismiss it, or did you ask questions to dig deeper? Curiosity allows you to explore possibilities even when they feel uncomfortable.
A Shift From Judgment to Discovery
Criticism is quick and easy; curiosity takes effort. Leaders who lean into discovery rather than judgment create cultures of innovation.
Tip: When you catch yourself thinking, “That’s a terrible idea,” try asking, “What’s one part of this idea that might work?” This simple shift can lead to surprising breakthroughs.
A Commitment to Learn, Not Just Lead
The best leaders are lifelong learners. Curiosity means embracing the unknown and being willing to learn alongside your team.
Reflection Question: When was the last time you admitted you didn’t have an answer? What did that openness lead to?
Why Curiosity Is the Most Brave Leadership Act
It Requires Vulnerability
Admitting you don’t know something feels risky. But vulnerability builds trust and opens doors to collaboration.
Example: Saying, “I don’t know—what do you think?” invites your team’s insights and shows you value their perspective.
It Challenges Comfort Zones
Curiosity pushes leaders to confront hard truths and explore untested ideas.
Example: If your church attendance is declining, instead of blaming external factors, ask, “What might we be doing that isn’t working?” That’s brave leadership.
It Builds Bridges, Not Walls
Curiosity fosters connection by replacing criticism with dialogue. Instead of defending your position, you’re inviting collaboration.
Challenge: In your next disagreement, try asking, “Why do you see it that way?” You might be surprised by the insights you uncover.
How to Live With Curiosity as a Leader
1. Ask Better Questions
Great leadership starts with great questions. Move from reactive inquiries like “Why is this happening?” to proactive ones like “What can we learn from this?”
Practical Tips: Keep a list of curiosity-driven questions, such as:
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- “What’s one thing I don’t understand about this situation?”
- “What would this look like if we started from scratch?”
2. Practice Open-Handed Leadership
Curiosity requires letting go of preconceived ideas and making space for new insights.
Example: If you’ve always approached a task one way, challenge yourself to ask, “What if there’s a better way?”
3. Model Curiosity for Your Team
Your behavior sets the tone. If you’re curious, your team will follow.
Practical Tip: Schedule regular “curiosity sessions” where team members share ideas and lessons learned—no judgment allowed.
4. Resist the Urge to Judge Too Quickly
Pause before reacting to resistance or criticism. Ask, “What might I be missing?”
Example: In a tense meeting, invite dissenting voices to explain their perspective. You might uncover valuable insights.
Final Thought: Open Minds, Open Hands, Open Futures
Living with curiosity isn’t about being indecisive; it’s about being brave enough to admit you don’t have all the answers. By embracing an open mind and open hands, you open the door to a future full of possibilities.
Reflective Challenge:
Identify one area of your leadership where you’ve been critical instead of curious. How might things change if you approached it with openness?
Bravery isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about being willing to learn. That’s the kind of leadership that changes everything.
Call to Action:
- Ready to transform your leadership? Visit gavinadams.com for coaching and resources.
- Leading a church? Explore the Church Accelerator Community for tools to help you work on your church, not just in it.
Quotes for Inspiration:
- “Curiosity is the engine of achievement.” — Ken Robinson
- “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” — Simon Sinek
Resources for Further Learning:
- The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier
- Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
- Podcast: Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast
One More Thing…
If you found this helpful, please pass it along to other leaders (and encourage them to subscribe!).
If you’re ready to accelerate your leadership, I’d be honored to help. Visit gavinadams.com to explore my systemic approach to leadership development and schedule a 30-minute conversation.
If you’re a church leader, be sure to visit the Church Accelerator Community.
Leading With You,
Dr. Gavin Adams
