Far from hindering professional growth, the attitude encapsulated by the phrase "We don't pay you to think" is profoundly misguided. Thinking, wondering, questioning, doubting, and going beyond the established norms are indeed the first steps towards professional success, both for individuals and for companies. If one were to choose a word that sums up all these actions, it would be curiosity.

Curiosity is the foundation of learning, not only for children at the start of their lives but also as a crucial quality in the workplace. It underpins creativity, innovation, and a capacity for lifelong learning.

For organisations that embrace a culture of innovation and agility, curiosity is the essential starting point. This trait, described as an innate desire to explore, inquire, and learn, acts as a catalyst for innovation and problem-solving. It drives individuals to challenge the status quo, seek new perspectives, and embrace novel ideas—qualities indispensable in today’s complex and interconnected world.

Research insights on curiosity

Research from the Harvard Business Review underscores the significance of curiosity, not only as a key driver of individual performance but also as a predictor of team effectiveness. Teams composed of curious individuals show higher levels of creativity, collaboration, and adaptability, enabling them to tackle challenges with agility and resilience.

"Leaders should hire for curiosity, model inquisitiveness, emphasise learning goals, let workers explore and broaden their interests, and have ‘Why?’ ‘What if...?’ and ‘How might we...?’ days. Doing so will help their organisations adapt to uncertain market conditions and external pressures and boost the business’s success,” states the study.

Francesca Gino, an author referenced in the study, notes that although leaders often claim to value inquisitive minds, many istifle curiosity, fearing it will lead to increased risk and inefficiency. In a survey she conducted involving over 3,000 employees from various firms and industries, only about 24% reported feeling curious about their jobs regularly, with around 70% facing barriers to asking more questions at work.

Gino’s research suggests that activating curiosity helps us avoid confirmation bias and reduces stereotyping, stating: "Curiosity has these positive effects because it leads us to generate alternatives."

Challenges and opportunities in cultivating curiosity

In a subsequent survey by Gino, 92% of participants credited curious individuals with bringing new ideas to teams and organisations, viewing curiosity as a catalyst for job satisfaction, motivation, innovation, and high performance.

Yet, she highlights the scarcity of curiosity in the workplace, with similar numbers reporting barriers to inquisitiveness. In another survey involving chief learning officers and chief talent development officers, Gino found that many hesitate to encourage curiosity, believing it would make the company harder to manage and slow down decision-making, thereby increasing costs.

Gino argues that curiosity encourages team members to consider each other's perspectives and show interest in each other's ideas, leading to more effective and smoother collaboration. "This makes them work together more effectively and smoothly: Conflicts are less heated and groups achieve better results," Gino said.

As the engine of innovation, curiosity fosters an insatiable hunger for knowledge and a relentless pursuit of understanding. It compels individuals to explore uncharted territories, challenge assumptions, and embrace novelty, an ethos central to continuous learning.

The role of curiosity in continuous learning

Psychologist Dr Susan David highlights the transformative power of curiosity in fostering resilience and adaptability within teams.

"Curiosity is the antidote to stagnation. It invites us to question, to learn and to evolve – an indispensable quality in navigating the complexities of today's workplace," she said.

Adam Grant, an organisational psychologist, echoes this sentiment, emphasising that fostering a culture of continuous learning is pivotal in attracting and retaining top talent. He argues that in today’s dynamic marketplace, adaptability and a hunger for learning are crucial. Employees who demonstrate a genuine commitment to personal and professional growth contribute significantly to organisational success.

Experts agree that cultivating a culture of continuous learning requires a multifaceted approach.

Dr Carol Dweck, a pioneering researcher in the field of motivation and growth mindset, highlights the importance of instilling a growth mindset within organisational structures.

"Encouraging employees to embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and view failure as an opportunity for growth cultivates a culture where continuous learning flourishes," she said.

Fostering a culture of curiosity

In cultivating curiosity within teams, organisations play a pivotal role in shaping environments that nurture and celebrate intellectual curiosity. Here are some strategies for fostering a culture of curiosity in the workplace:

1. Encourage exploration

Provide time and resources for team members to explore new ideas, technologies, and methodologies. Encourage experimentation and risk-taking, fostering an environment where failure is viewed as a stepping stone to innovation.

2. Promote cross-pollination

Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and knowledge-sharing initiatives that enable individuals to learn from diverse perspectives and skill sets. Create platforms for interdisciplinary dialogue and the exchange of ideas, fostering a culture of openness and collaboration.

3. Empower autonomy

Grant team members the autonomy to pursue projects and initiatives aligned with their interests and passions. Encourage self-directed learning and personal development, empowering individuals to take ownership of their learning journey.

4. Recognise curiosity

Acknowledge and celebrate curiosity as a core value within the organisation. Recognise individuals who demonstrate curiosity, creativity, and a thirst for knowledge, reinforcing the importance of these qualities in driving innovation and growth.