Tap Into The Power of Curiosity

Albert Einstein once said, “If I had an hour to solve a problem, I’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions.” That mindset isn’t just for scientists—it’s a game-changer for anyone who wants to lead, collaborate, and communicate with more impact.

Brené Brown reminds us in Dare to Lead that when we let go of needing to have all the answers and instead lead with curiosity, we tap into real courage. But that’s usually easier said than done.

Our ego often wants to:

• Jump in with a solution to prove our value
• Avoid the conversation altogether because we’re afraid we’ll say the wrong thing

Explore Power, a concept from the Positive Intelligence framework, invites us to do the opposite. It’s about staying with the problem, being open to discovery, and leading with questions instead of answers.

Ever misread someone’s intentions?

A client, for example, believed her colleague was dismissive because he rarely responded to her suggestions in meetings. When I asked, “What else could be true?” she paused. In exploring, she realized her assumption was untested—he might have been focused on managing the agenda, not shutting her down. That shift in perspective opened space for a direct conversation rather than lingering resentment or defensiveness.

This example is a reminder of how easily our assumptions can close the door on curiosity. She had let her own interpretation create unnecessary stress and tension instead of questioning her initial conclusion, staying open and seeking more information and clarity.

How does curiosity help us grow?

Curiosity doesn’t just help us understand others—it also helps us understand ourselves. Instead of accepting every thought or feeling at face value, we can ask:

• Where is this feeling coming from?
• What story am I telling myself—and how true is it?
• What else could be true here?

And when we’re exploring with others, simple prompts can open dialogue instead of defensiveness. Brené Brown offers some great suggestions:

• “The story I’m making up is…”
• “I’m curious about…”
• “That’s not my experience.” (a great alternative to declaring someone is wrong)
• “Help me understand…”
• “What problem are we actually trying to solve?”
• “Walk me through…”
• “Tell me why this doesn’t fit for you.”
• “It seems like we’re both dug in. Tell me about your passion here.”
• “I’m working from these assumptions—what about you?”

Even a single question can shift the energy of a conversation, create clarity, and uncover possibilities that were hidden by assumptions or fear.

What's the key to getting curious?

According to researcher George Loewenstein, curiosity arises when we notice a gap in our knowledge. We can’t get curious about something we don’t recognize—we need awareness first. This awareness comes from having just a little bit of knowledge or information that makes us want more clarity. We need to prime the pump, so to speak.

The more we practice curiosity, the more our knowledge and understanding grow together. When we combine outward curiosity (about others and situations) with inward curiosity (about our own thoughts, feelings, and biases), we expand perspective, reduce judgment, and open the door to meaningful connection and smarter decisions.

The next time you feel the pressure to jump in with an answer—or shut down to protect yourself—try asking a question instead. Explore Power isn’t about passivity; it’s about staying present, questioning assumptions, and letting curiosity guide the way.