As I embark on the H2 planning process, it seems the opportune time to reflect on what I’ve learned over the first half of this year … and honestly my entire career. What has been my greatest lesson? Stay curious.
We all operate in a culture that is evermore rewarding of certainty. We learn this from a young age through schooling, and our certainty continues to be reinforced as we seek confirmation bias through our social groups, social media and media in general. Being certain is often associated with confidence and competency in our workplaces. While certainty certainly has its place, my biggest takeaway over the years is that accepting uncertainly and staying curious serves me best.
When we stay curious, we ask all kinds of questions about ourselves, about others, about what we think we know. This curiosity provides countless opportunities to learn, grow and improve. Staying curious gives us the freedom to operate outside of the predefined boxes we may have drawn for ourselves and others. It deepens our relationships. It makes us better leaders. It magnifies our passion. It surprises us. Curiosity opens doors we didn’t even know were there, and its gifts are endless.
So, my wish as I head into the second half of the year is that I stay curious and you will too.