When it comes to effective leadership, one often overlooked trait is curiosity. For middle managers, curiosity isn’t just a nice-to-have quality—it’s a game-changer. Imagine a leader as an explorer, navigating unknown terrains. The curious leader doesn’t stick to the well-worn path; they question, probe, and discover new routes that lead to innovation and progress. In fact, according to “Francesca Gino of Harvard Business School, 92% of respondents credited curious people with bringing new ideas into teams and organisations and viewed curiosity as a catalyst for job satisfaction, motivation, innovation and high performance.”1 It would stand to reason the same applies for managers: curiosity propels middle managers toward leadership excellence.
Curiosity: The Leadership Superpower
Curiosity fuels a leader’s ability to adapt, innovate, and thrive in complexity. As the renowned film producer and author Brian Grazer, founder of Imagine Entertainment, once said, “Curiosity—asking questions—isn’t just a way of understanding the world. It’s a way of changing it.” For middle managers, curiosity acts like a compass, steering them through challenges, helping them build stronger relationships, and uncovering opportunities that others might miss.
Picture curiosity as the difference between a leader operating with tunnel vision versus one with panoramic vision. The curious leader sees beyond the immediate, constantly asking, “What if?” and “How can we improve this?” This mindset opens the door to transformative change, while leaders who lack curiosity may find themselves stuck in outdated practices, coasting on autopilot.
5 Actionable Steps to Cultivate Curious Leadership
For middle managers eager to enhance their leadership through curiosity, here are five practical steps to get started:
1. Ask More ‘Why’ and ‘How’ Questions
Shift from simple yes-or-no questions to those that invite deeper insights. Instead of “Did we meet the target?” ask, “Why did we choose this approach?” or “How can we improve next time?” These open-ended questions encourage reflection and foster a problem-solving culture.
2. Learn Continuously—In and Out of Your Field
Stay curious by exploring both familiar and unfamiliar topics. Sign up for workshops, read beyond your industry, or try something new. The best leaders pull from a variety of sources to inspire fresh ideas and solutions. I read one professional development book, then one novel, then one personal development book and when I ran a book club I made sure we had a system of choosing books that would push us beyond the familiar. {{contact.first_name}}, are you in a book club? Would you like to be part of a book club?
3. Encourage Team Curiosity
Create an environment where your team feels safe to ask questions and suggest improvements. Make curiosity contagious by celebrating those who bring new perspectives to the table. An environment where curiosity thrives is an incubator for innovation.
4. Challenge the Status Quo
Avoid falling into the trap of “We’ve always done it this way.” Question standard practices and consider how things might be done differently. Leaders who challenge conventional wisdom drive meaningful improvements and disrupt stagnant processes.
5. Seek Diverse Feedback
A curious leader understands that their perspective is just one of many. Regularly ask for feedback from both colleagues and team members. By showing a willingness to learn from others, you demonstrate humility and a commitment to continuous improvement.
A Curiosity-Fueled Future
Curious middle managers aren’t just more effective—they’re transformational. They lead with a sense of wonder and exploration, constantly seeking new ways to better their teams, themselves, and their organisations. Curiosity is like an ever-replenishing fuel that keeps leadership fresh and adaptable, no matter how challenging the terrain ahead.
So, if you’re looking to sharpen your leadership edge, it’s time to start asking more questions. After all, curiosity isn’t just about finding answers—it’s about discovering possibilities that lead to lasting success.
Sources:
1. https://theundercoverrecruiter.com/the-curious-employee/
