Leading with curiosity at WSU

When asked to list important attributes in the workplace, curiosity might not be the first to come to mind. However, curiosity is key to seeking solutions to problems, creating positive change, and fostering advancement. WSU is home to thousands of curious minds, and that extends beyond academics: students, faculty, and staff contribute daily to the university’s culture of innovation.

Despite curiosity’s growing importance in our rapidly-evolving work environment, it is often left out when it comes to employee development. A survey from the Harvard Business Review shows that out of over 3,000 responding employees, “only about 24% reported feeling curious in their jobs on a regular basis, and about 70% said they face barriers to asking more questions at work.”

Leaders play a key role in encouraging—or stunting—curiosity in the workplace. Because curiosity may lead to questions, potential challenges, and change, it’s easy to understand why some leaders may shy away from, or even discourage, curiosity in their teams. However, there is evidence that the benefits of curiosity in business outweighs any discomfort.

Rachel Powers, the Senior Vice President of HCL Digital consulting and author of “Curiosity as a Core Leadership Value” on LinkedIn, states the following:

“Leadership and curiosity go hand-in-hand. When leaders are curious, they encourage others to ask questions, explore different perspectives, and challenge assumptions. This creates a space for creativity and innovation. And it lays the groundwork for a more adaptive, innovative organization.” 

She also provides the following reasons why fostering curiosity is good for leaders, employees, and their organizations:

  • It leads to higher-performing, more-adaptable organizations
  • It promotes trust, respect, and open communication between leaders and employees
  • It creates a space for creativity and innovation, and empowers organizations to solve complex business challenges

From the switch to Workday to navigating COVID-19, WSU staff have been called upon to seek solutions to challenges of all sizes in recent years. As we move forward, curiosity continues to play a role in improving and evolving the way we work at WSU. Leaders can foster this critical attribute in their teams by:

  • Modeling curiosity and openness to change
  • Promoting learning and new skill development
  • Encouraging a culture of asking questions focused on improvement
  • Actively listening to employees’ ideas, suggestions, and questions

If you’re a leader looking for ways to embrace and promote curiosity in your area, the Leading as a Coug track at Elevating Cougs provides an opportunity to learn and develop skills to help. Get started now by:

  • Registering for the conference
  • Exploring the conference schedule and the following sessions focused on leading with curiosity and openness:
    • Leading with Curiosity
    • The Emotionally Intelligent Leader
    • Motivational Leadership
    • Leading Change
    • Barriers into Opportunities

Want to learn more? Visit the Elevating Cougs conference page, or be the first to hear what’s new by signing up for the Elevating Cougs monthly newsletter.

Elevating Cougs is brought to you by Modernization and HRS’ Learning & Organizational Development. The conference will be held virtually October 19 & 20, 2023.