PMcrunch

Insatiable curiosity is one of the key elements to leadership. Let me explain why, and see if you can picture how this might change things inside and around you.  Often, leaders move into their position because of special expertise.  For example, a new project manager may have been appointed because of special expertise related to the project.  They know the most about the subject area, so why not make them the project leader?  This may be the right move, but the new leader needs to make some adjustments!  That expertise can be an advantage, but can alternatively work to their disadvantage if not leveraged properly.  Are you a knowledge-based leader?  I often have been.  If you are a leader who presents himself as the perpetual expert – a temptation when you became the leader because you knew the most – there will be a tendency to quiet the people around you and shut down their motivation. But now, try instead to demonstrate expertise with a curiosity and open-mindedness to probe more deeply, to understand in a new or unexpected way.  Curiosity will require you to dispense with the notion that your job as leader is to have the answers.  It calls you instead to be confident to ask questions and to be open to receive answers – expected or unexpected.  Putting on curiosity in this way shows great respect for your team members and challenges them to grow.  It shows that you are open to learning, and by example encourages them to stretch and learn, also.  This naturally leads to higher performance, commitment, creativity, and collaboration.   So, be aware of your possible tendency to play or be the expert.  While you may have great expertise and experience, you are now the leader and need to where another hat.  Choose instead to ask questions as would a child or a student in class — and on an ongoing basis. You will open the lines of communication, will be viewed as more approachable, will find that new information flows to you more readily, and your team produces their best work.    

John Reiling, PMP Project Management Training  Online Lean Six Sigma Training  Online