Leaders are often expected to have the answers. The best ones arrive at those answers by staying curious. Curiosity keeps you from getting closed off and missing what others are saying. It helps you slow down and think more clearly. In the promo industry, a creative mindset is a leadership advantage hiding in plain sight.
Jean Marie DiGiovanna, a keynote speaker and best-selling author, says curiosity isn’t just an admirable trait — it’s a superpower that can transform every conversation you have. She says you can lean into this superpower by asking 3 questions. We highlight these questions in this issue of PromoPro Daily.
When you find yourself judging another person or an idea, pause and consider:
“If I got more curious about this situation or person, what question could I ask?”
When a person or idea doesn’t align with your values, beliefs or experiences, DiGiovanna says it’s normal to slip into judgment mode. However, the moment you do this, you discount the person or idea. If you feel judgment toward another person, idea or even yourself, get curious. DiGiovanna recommends asking questions like “What might I be missing here?” or “What’s most important to you about this?” She says that when you respond from curiosity instead of judgment, you shift your attention from yourself to the other. From that place, trust and engagement rise.
When you experience a mistake or failure, ask:
“What’s the learning in this? How can I apply that learning in the future?”
Mistakes and failures trigger the brain’s threat response, she says, which can shut down creativity and problem-solving. Curiosity interrupts that spiral. When you consider what can be learned from an error, you shift the focus from blame to growth. By modeling this, DiGiovanna says you send a clear message that setbacks are not the end of the story. Instead, they are steppingstones to innovation and resilience.
When someone brings you a concern or issue, pause and ask:
“Can you tell me more?” or “Can you say more?” or “Can you help me understand?”
If a team member comes to you with a concern, you might immediately try to resolve it. Or, you if you’re in the middle of something, you might get frustrated and react emotionally. While this is common, DiGiovanna says it rarely empowers others. Instead, she advises asking questions that can help the other person feel heard. This increases openness and makes it easier for them to share their concerns and challenges.
Curiosity changes how you show up every day for yourself, your team and your clients. The questions above are a great way to build your curiosity as a leader. They help you turn setbacks into learning and difficult conversations into real dialogue. With practice, your thinking will become sharper and your team will feel more empowered to do their best work.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Jean Marie DiGiovanna is a renowned international keynote speaker, leadership development expert, executive coach and best-selling author with over two decades of experience in helping organizations achieve their highest potential.
