Category Archive: Curiosity

How to Capture the Opportunity in Awkward Silence

The need for quick answers is the path to shallow solutions. The best thing to hear after asking penetrating questions is silence, especially your own. Courageous leaders dare to ask awkward questions. More… Continue reading

How to Move from Adversarial to Influential with Curiosity

What happens when you bring a new idea to higher ups? You hear reasons why it won’t work. People often defend the status quo, even though the present is dissatisfying. Objections: Objections express… Continue reading

How to Build the Future by Asking Four Forward-Facing Questions

Frustration with teams and organizations is the result of avoiding questions that many leaders don’t dare to ask. Successful leaders ask forward-facing questions that define a future distinct from the past. 4 backward-facing questions: What’s… Continue reading

The 10-C Approach to Pushback when the Boss is Involved and Stakes are High

Pushback makes you relevant and useful in high-stakes situations. Poor pushback: Emotional heat. Drama is distraction, even offense, to top leaders. Grudges. You look narrow and small when you can’t let go when… Continue reading

How Intense Curiosity About People Enhances Influence and Expands Leadership

Mitchell Warner’s observation that humble leaders are intensely curious about others makes me wonder why I’m not more humble. I’ve been called the ‘question man’ all my life.   Leadership curiosity includes: Curiosity… Continue reading

A Single Transformational Question

One of the great gifts you give team members is opportunity to reflect on their journey. “Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.” Peter… Continue reading