I have participated in many interviews for leadership positions as an interviewer and candidate. 

I can’t recall ever assessing or being assessed for curiosity.

I’ve been asked questions about equity:

…What is anti-racism and how have you used it in your work?

About building relationships:

…Give an example of a time you were able to convene a group with differing interests to achieve a common goal.

About delivering results:

…Tell me about a time when you were able to persevere through setbacks and overcome obstacles to deliver outstanding results.

About managing conflict:

…Give us an example of a time you disagreed with someone about strategy. How did you approach the situation and what was the outcome?

About managing growth in others:

…Describe your management style.

But nothing that directly evaluates curiosity.

This feels like a big miss to me as I believe curiosity is one of the top 5 most important leadership traits. 

—  Curious leaders instinctually draw others into meaningful conversation, which builds strong relationships and encourages trust within an organization. This leads to better decision making, higher levels of innovation and a culture of continuous improvement. —

Research shows that the benefits of curiosity are profound for the individual, the team and the organization. It’s one of those experiences, like belonging or purpose, that helps us thrive by getting us to fire on all cylinders.

Here are just a handful of the most powerful benefits of curiosity:

• Expands our thinking: We use our powers of observation more fully and are open to different perspectives and ways of doing things.
• Expands the thinking of those around us: Reflective questions can promote insight and deepen understanding.
• Increases belonging: Our curiosity about others makes them feel valued and seen.
• Busts silos: we are more likely to take an interest in one another’s ideas and work.
• Helps us survive: The urge to explore and seek novelty helps us remain vigilant and gain knowledge about our constantly changing environment, which may be why our brains evolved to release dopamine and other feel-good chemicals when we encounter new things.
• Makes us happier: Research has shown curiosity to be associated with higher levels of positive emotions, lower levels of anxiety, more satisfaction with life, and greater psychological well-being. Think about that dopamine hit described above.
• Boosts achievement: When we are curious about and interested in what we are doing, it’s easier to get involved, put effort in, and do well.
• Expands our empathy: When we are curious about others and talk to people outside our usual social circle, we become better able to understand those with lives, experiences, and worldviews different from our own. 
• Builds resilience: When we are curious we are more resilient because we view tough situations more creatively and less defensively.

Not all questions are curious questions. 

They can be judgemental

Why did you…?

They can be leading

Did you do this because…?

They can be rhetorical

It was a good idea, wasn’t it?

A good question:

Starts with a curious mindset

Push your own assumptions aside.

Invites dialogue by being open ended

“What” and “how” questions are powerful.

Promotes insight and learning

What do you think of…?

Expands thinking

What else?

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