Curiosity killed the cat, but it helps an old dog learn new tricks. John Medina of Brain Rules says curiosity is the most important thing. It’s what brings you joy and it’s how you achieve mastery.
While I’ve always been curious and a natural seeker, I’ve really improved my curiosity over the last few years using 3 ways:
- I explore before I critique. I ask, “How might that be true?” … or “How can I use that?” … or “If I knew how to solve that, what might I do?”
- I ask myself, “What are 3 take aways?” whether I’m in training, in a meeting, or at a movie.
- I dialogue more than I debate or discuss (see Dialogue, Debate, and Discuss).
We have proven ways for building curiosity. Walt Disney used 3 stages for ideas: Dreamer, Realist, and Critic. Edward de Bono gave us the PMI technique (Plus points, Minus points, and Interesting points) to avoid the “intelligence trap” (getting stuck in one point of view.) You simply first ask what’ are the plus points before asking what are the minus point and then you expand by asking what’s interesting about this.
Seth shares a metaphor, Wondering Around, that he says is “the act of inquiring with generous spirit.” What a perfect metaphor to wrap and share the idea. I find myself wondering around already.
Photo by makelessnoise.
