Are You Curious?
We do not watch much television compared to the average family. This opening sentence is to serve as a disclaimer for the following: our children have a few educational programs that they really enjoy. These programs are produced especially to attract the attention or either a pre-school or an early elementary child. Some shows prompt hand motions and physical movement. Other programs draw inquisitive expressions and verbal responses. One program stimulates spontaneous giggles and silly laughter, particularly from my 4 year old son. This TV program is Curious George
. The monkey (a.k.a. Curious George) and "the man with the big yellow hat" end up in a variety of precarious situations. The curiosity of the monkey usually causes an otherwise common occurrence to become extraordinary. The storyline often includes the clever intelligence of the monkey and his friends as they utilize math and science facts.My son is a second generation Curious George fan! The TV version of Curious George was yet to be invented when I was a child. However, I enjoyed the books. Curious George Goes to the Hospital is one that I remember vividly, probably because it was read to me every night leading up to my tonsillectomy. I do not pretend to be an early childhood specialist, but Curious George seems to encourage inquisitiveness. While the man with the big yellow hat often becomes frustrated with the monkey, the man ultimately appreciates the monkey’s curiosity by the end of the story.
Are you interested in being a more effective leader in your faith-based organization? Be curious! In a recent publication of the Journal of Leadership and Organizational Studies
, Michael Harvey identifies curiosity as a behavior that "stimulates learning and, concurrently, increases the effectiveness of decision making and quality management." He contends that managers and leaders should be measured regularly for their affinity with curiosity. Curiosity is a key leadership quality that enables intuitive problem solving.Are you curious? Few people consider themselves curious. Curiosity is seldom self-identified as a personality trait. In fact, curiosity can be considered a negative trait. It is associated with being nosy, too personal, or even dangerous. But, consider these questions: Do you ask questions? Do you think of possibilities? Are you a continuous learner? Do you speculate about a future vision? Do you diligently pursue a solution to an organizational problem? If you answered "yes" to these questions, then you are blessed with a passion for curiosity. Some colleagues may be frustrated by your curiosity in the short-term, but eventually they will be grateful for your intuition. Moreover, your intuition will lead others toward achieving extraordinary goals and recognizing new possibilities. Be curious!
How might your leadership be enhanced and strengthened by a more curious posture? What obstacles would you encounter in the organizational structure for being inquisitive? How would curiosity position leaders toward a more open way of thinking?
I'm curious to read your thoughts!
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