CURIOSITY LEADS
How leaders can use curiosity to foster a learning culture, drive innovation, and future-proof their teams.
How does our leadership change when asking the better question becomes more important than getting the quick answer? Can our employees' curiosity drive innovation – or hinder efficiency? Why do we encourage curiosity at the top but stifle it in the middle? What risks do we take as curious leaders, and why are they worthwhile? How can we tell if we're leading with curiosity or exercising control? This presentation offers an entertaining and practical look at how to do just that. #curiosityleads
CURIOSITY ABOUT LEADERSHIP? WHAT IS THAT?
Curious leaders don't offer ready-made solutions. They create space for asking questions. Questions are more important than quick answers. Curious leadership balances the tension between control and discovery – especially in the sandwich dilemma of middle management. It fosters productivity without stifling curiosity. It's about genuine interest in the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of the people on the team. Listening to understand – not to fix things immediately.
CURIOSITY IS MORE VALUE THAN KNOWLEDGE.
EINSTEIN
EFFECT OF CURIOSITY
GUIDE
76% of employees say: a curious leader increases their own curiosity and willingness to innovate. Our research shows:
Curious leaders demonstrably enable more innovative teams. They drive transformation and purpose-driven thinking. But the reality is often different: In Germany, almost one in four people is an "anti-curiosity leader." And this is precisely where the potential lies.
Companies with programs to foster curiosity report a 25% increase in leadership effectiveness. The study by Jie Ma (2023) shows that teams with curious managers exhibit higher innovation performance, stronger engagement, and better collaboration.
Bottom line: Curiosity correlates with better results in performance management, strategic thinking, and innovation management. Curious leaders are more strongly associated with transformational leadership – inspiring, learning-oriented, and development-promoting .
HOW DO I INSPIRE CURIOSITY?
I help leaders integrate curiosity into their daily leadership by challenging them with questions rather than providing them with answers.
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I let them experience that curiosity is not only a cognitive process, but also becomes tangible – with methods such as the Question Formulation Technique, which strengthens the joy of discovery in employees.
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I combine scientific evidence with storytelling about curiosity techniques in leadership (e.g., the Whisper Courses ) and humor , so that complex relationships become tangible and memorable .
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With tools like the ARM Check (Acitvate, Risk, Mobilize Courage), I make tangible how exactly employee curiosity needs to be supported and strengthened. Short, engaging methods like the Question Formulation Technique (QFT) or Janus thinking demonstrate how questions and contrasts unleash innovation.
In this way, I transform curiosity from an abstract idea into an attitude that strengthens leadership, deepens relationships, and makes organizations future-proof.
THE TAKEAWAYS
Questions instead of answers – those who ask questions open minds and create innovation.
Train curiosity – Boost curiosity precisely with the ARM Check.
Be a role model – curiosity is contagious and has an impact through lived role modeling.
Overcoming FOFO – Asking courageous questions instead of fear of uncomfortable answers.
Strengthening future skills – curiosity increases performance, learning ability and resilience.