“I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious” – Albert Einstein
Everyone is born curious. So, what happens? Why do some people become less curious than others? For individuals, leaders, and companies to be successful, they must determine the things that hold curiosity hostage. Think of the most innovative companies, and you will notice they employ people who do not accept the status quo, they are not reluctant to change, they evolve with the times, they look for problems to solve, and focus on asking questions.
Billionaires Warren Buffett and Bill Gates held a question and answer session at Columbia University. Just after the 5-minute mark, the moderator asked, “What is it that you two share?” They both answered with the same thing: curiosity. Buffett said, “Well, we both certainly share a curiosity about the world.” Gates said, “I think that curiosity that Warren mentioned, is an amazing thing.”
Drawing on decades of research and incorporating interviews from some of the top leaders of our time, I have examined the factors that impact curiosity including fear, assumptions, technology, and environment (FATE). Through ground-breaking research, I have created the Curiosity Code Index (CCI) assessment to determine how these factors have impacted curiosity and to provide an action plan to transform individuals and organizations to help improve areas affected by curiosity, including innovation, engagement, creativity, and productivity.
Curiosity can be beneficial in multiple aspects of our lives. Studies have shown adults qualified as “more curious” lived longer and with better mental health. However, the focus of my research regarding curiosity was primarily in the business setting. To learn more, I have included some articles that I believe add to the importance of curiosity in some of the most critical areas in the workplace:
- Innovation: Curiosity Fuels Innovation and Innovation is a Combination of Curiosity and Persistence
- Intelligence: Curiosity is as Important as Intelligence and What happens when Leaders Lack Curiosity
- Engagement: Curiosity Drives Employee Engagement and The Most Important Skill for 21st Century Success
- Creativity: Why Curiosity is the Key and Creativity: What Does Curiosity Got to Do with It
- Trust: This Team Increased their Trust and The Power of Curiosity: Tool to Understand Different Opinions
- Productivity: The Modern Hunt for Purpose and Purpose Predict Greater Income and Wealth
Dr. Diane Hamilton is a nationally syndicated radio show host. She writes and speaks on curiosity, business, leadership, emotional intelligence, personality assessment, career, and education. She is the creator of the Curiosity Code Index (CCI). She is the author of multiple books including It’s Not Your It’s Your Personality, and her forthcoming book is titled, Cracking the Curiosity Code: The Key to Unlocking Human Potential. https://drdianehamilton.com and http://curiositycode.com