How Might You Be Stifling Curiosity?

It is hardly controversial to say that all great breakthroughs and discoveries throughout history have been the result of curiosity. They have been driven by someone asking some variant of: “What might be possible?“

And yet, research (Gino, 2018) shows that despite awareness around the benefits of curiosity and much language about encouraging innovation, most leaders actually stifle curiosity.

What about you?

If you are interested in thinking through this question, I would invite you to complete this short survey: How Open Am I to Curiosity?

Lend your voice to this research and, in the process, you may also prompt valuable reflection on your own leadership practice.

Please don’t feel you have to answer every question. Just answer the ones that resonate with you now!

All responses will be treated with absolute confidentiality. Rest assured that any findings published will be stripped of any identifying information.

Reference: Gino, F. (2018). The Business Case for Curiosity. Harvard Business Review, September–October. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2018/09/the-business-case-for-curiosity

Tom’s innate ability to listen and empathise enabled me to relax and really explore the issues that were causing me some anxiety. Our sessions provided me with an enhanced sense of self-awareness and a considered plan of action. The benefits in terms of relationships and self-confidence this process has given me are invaluable, in both work and life in general!

Testimonial from Sean

I went for coaching with Tom, without knowing what I wanted but knowing that I needed some help after having a number of setbacks with interviews. By the end of the first session, I was beginning to realise my problems. By the end of the second session, I was beginning to realise what I wanted. In our final two sessions, Tom helped me to identify a strategy for achieving my goals.
I thoroughly enjoyed our sessions. Tom listened without judgement, guided without being opinionated and ultimately helped me to help myself. You can’t ask more from a coach.

Testimonial from Paul

I didn’t think I had a specific need for a coach, however, having met Tom outside of our professional roles we decided to set up a coaching programme. I’m delighted we did. Tom’s approach is based on taking it slow, listening first and asking questions you won’t have thought of second. The latter always result in positive actions to take away and implement immediately. Now, I’m really looking forward to continuing our working relationship.

Testimonial from James Crothall, Account Director at AMO DIGITAL

I’ve been catching up with Tom for now, over three years. It is a moment where I’m able to create space away from the noise and the busyness of my life to really tackle whatever is top of my mind. This can be on the professional side and can be on my personal side. My conversations with Tom are really conversations we have dialogues that we have, and a walk away from these meetings with clarity around ideas of how to convey pragmatically and practically tackle some of the challenges and the issues which I wanted to discuss with Tom. But I think more importantly, with a greater degree of confidence in my ability to solve for these topics. I’ve been really enjoying my catch up with Tom I hope to continue to do so in the future and I highly recommend anybody to give it a go.

Testimonial from Tommaso

Testimonial from Sean, Ireland

Testimonial from Paul, Ireland

How Might You Be Stifling Curiosity?

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About the Author: Tom O'Leary - Empowering Leaders to Be Curious