Curiosity: It might not be good for a cat, but it’s essential for a leader
This post is the fourth in a series around the C’s of leadership, featuring a different Leadership C with each new post. Whether you lead a corporation, a church, a department, a classroom, or a family, HOW you lead has enormous impact on those you lead.
One of my favorite books is “Questions God Asks Us” by Trevor Hudson. People often think of the Bible as a book of answers. But it’s amazing how many questions are in Scripture. Jesus was very fond of asking questions… In fact, he often answered questions with questions!
I think Jesus asked a lot of questions because he wanted to get people thinking. Jesus’ very first words in the gospel of John are addressed to disciples of John the Baptist who turn to follow Jesus. Perceiving their presence behind him, Jesus turns to ask them a very deep question: “What are you looking for?” The question in Greek (the language of the New Testament) is even more powerful. It’s a two word phrase: tis zeteo. Tis can be translated as what, who or why. “What are you seeking?” “Who are you seeking?” or even “Why are you seeking?” See what I mean? It’s a deep, deep question.
My last “leadership C” was communication. But communication is impossible without genuine curiosity. Consider how few people – including leaders – are genuinely curious about the thoughts, ideas, beliefs and passions of others. Often our curiosity is crowded out by assumptions and prejudices. In my opinion, curiosity and fear can’t exist in the same space. Curiosity is a stance of openness… not openness in the sense of being wishy-washy or gullible; but openness in the sense of making every effort to sincerely let our guard down and open our ears, minds and hearts. Today our world seems paralyzed with fear. We are so fearful of “the other” who is different. But fear begets fear and, eventually, violence. Curiosity begets openness, understanding, and creativity.
When leaders are curiosity about the ideas, opinions, experiences and dreams of those they lead, it can lead to powerful collaboration and creativity as walls of fear, prejudice and insecurity break down. Curiosity demonstrates respect and builds trust.
This Wednesday, October 11, at 6:30, we’ll launch A Place for You, an online gathering for people who want to explore a different approach to Christian community. As we convene, I’ll be asking participants to covenant together around how we will be in community with one another. One thing I’ll be asking of us all is to: “Cultivate safe space by being gentle and curious.” Let’s make the world a more kind, creative and welcoming place by being curious.
To find the link for Wednesday’s gathering, go to https://www.inumc.org/umc-a-place-for-you/
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