The Curiosity Collective #009

Unleashing Curiosity: A Fresh Approach to Effective Problem-Solving

John Brewer
April 20, 2023

Welcome to the new readers who've joined this week.

If you're not subscribed, click here or the subscribe button below and join others getting actionable tips on curiosity driven leadership.

1 Thing I Am Curious About

Can you use curiosity to become a better problem solver?

2 Quotes That I Am Thinking About

"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." - Albert Einstein
"Creativity, as has been said, consists largely of rearranging what we know in order to find out what we do not know. Hence, to think creatively, we must be able to look afresh at what we normally take for granted." - George Kneller

Unleashing Curiosity: A Fresh Approach to Effective Problem-Solving.

I recently found myself reflecting on the pivotal role curiosity plays in effective problem-solving.

I want to share with you some intriguing insights and offer a few unconventional yet actionable strategies for cultivating curiosity in your personal and professional lives.

Mastering the "What If?" Technique

I realized that the art of asking counterintuitive questions can spark innovative thinking.

Instead of accepting assumptions, I began to challenge them and explore seemingly improbable possibilities. Questions like, "What if this dismissed idea held the key to our future success?" or "What if we embraced a strategy our competitors abandoned?" helped me tap into fresh, game-changing ideas.

Venturing into the Unknown

One day, I found myself immersed in a discussion with a sound engineer, which led me to consider the potential of exploring seemingly unrelated fields but there was a huge crossover in the problems that we both faced.

By attending workshops, engaging in conversations with experts from diverse industries, and experimenting with new hobbies, I discovered that these experiences provided me with unexpected insights and cross-disciplinary ideas that revolutionized my problem-solving approach.

Embracing Failure as a Catalyst for Growth

I've come to understand that by celebrating our setbacks, we can learn from them and transform our problem-solving process.

I decided to share my failures openly and even encouraged my team to discuss the lessons learned from recent mistakes.

This practice not only helped normalize failure but also fostered a culture of learning, risk-taking, and continuous improvement.

I've discovered that by nurturing curiosity and adopting these unconventional strategies, we can approach problems with a unique, innovative mindset. By embracing the curiosity in our lives, we can set ourselves on a path of continuous growth, learning, and transformation.

Work with John:

Coaching: I will work with you 1:1 to help you grow and transform by creating systems, identifying priorities, and executing your goals. If you're interested, please reply to this email with "coaching."
Writing: I will write for you about leadership, mental health, and employee well-being. If you are interested, please reply to this email with "writing."

Thank you!