How do we know what we are not seeing?

What is certain is that each of us only sees a small part of any particular landscape.

Our thinking is also subject to biases, conditioned thinking patterns, dualities and polarities (short-term vs. long-term, people vs. process…).

The invitation is to be humble and open to hearing what others might be seeing that we cannot.

It is easier to spot in others. So, when you notice a blind spot in each other’s thinking, consider using this approach:

“You believe [this] and you therefore act in this way. What would it be like if you believed [that]?…..

Also, at work, who might help play this role for you?

Tom’s Reflections on These Questions

To have blind spots is human.

The invitation with these questions is simply to accept this.

This is a process of humility.

Truly embracing it allows you to turn every interaction into an opportunity to test your own blind spots.

I will often be in conversation when I suddenly realise: “That is a thought you’ve never had. This person must be seeing the world differently. What must be true for them?“

There are times when it isn’t appropriate to explore so I will simply note it down, but the process simply allows me to continually explore what the poet David Whyte calls the frontiers of my reality where my world comes into contact with other people’s.

Programme Overview

The Curious Leaders programme is designed to foster a deep sense of curiosity about who you are as a person and as a leader. It challenges you to reflect on what you can do each day to become a more effective leader. The premise is that before we can truly lead others, we first need to lead ourselves.

It thus ultimately starts with self-leadership. This is about building a practice of reflection and action whereby we become increasingly curious about how our thinking is impacting our actions. This is the first step in building a world in which curiosity shapes leadership.

In this world, leaders aren’t boxed in by traditional thinking or established playbooks. They are open to fresh ideas and diverse perspectives, fostering a culture of exploration and learning. In truth, nurturing curiosity in leadership is essential if we are to address the key challenges of the 21st century.