Think about the power of curiosity.
In his research work with the Greater Good Science Center in Berkeley, California, Scott Shigeoka, curiosity expert and author of the new book Inquiry: Curiosity Changes Lives and Changes the World. He spent five years digging into how curiosity changes. It may help bridge social and political gaps.
“I am an urban, liberal, Asian American, queer professor and researcher from Hawaii who lives in San Francisco and often dresses flamboyantly. “I know deeply what it means to be caught up in assumptions about who or what you love. It's similar,” says Shigeoka, 35.
“I wanted to learn more about how we use curiosity to strengthen relationships, bring happiness to our lives, and reach across differences,” he told Yahoo Finance. told.
His method is a year-long, 1,000-mile transcontinental trip behind the wheel of a Prius, spending time in countless locations, including a small town in Alabama, a Trump rally in Minnesota, and a Native American reservation in Minnesota. That was it. .
The big lesson, he said, is that “a lack of curiosity is at the heart of the division and disconnection that pervades the world.” “When we turn away from each other, we act on assumptions and prejudices. We are more likely to dehumanize a group, and as a result, we are more likely to fear or hate those people.” Become.”
The following has been edited for length and clarity from Shigeoka's recent interview with Yahoo Finance about why curiosity makes us happier and more free, both at work and in our personal lives.
Scott, why are you going on a road trip? Your friends were also a little worried about you.
A big part of research is putting it into practice. I didn't want to be in an ivory tower. I wanted to put into practice what I learned through research.
Can curiosity make our lives better?
The more curious you are, the happier you will be. You tend to develop stronger, higher quality relationships that give you meaning and joy and make you feel connected to those around you.
Curiosity reduces anxiety and depression. There seems to be a connection between these two. All of these metrics are really, really important in this mental health crisis, this social isolation crisis that we're all experiencing.
In the workplace, research shows that curiosity is a trait people look for in leaders. Curious leaders are fascinating to work with. They are more liked and seen as more competent. Curious teams tend to be more creative, more collaborative, and more innovative.
I know you interacted with some cool entrepreneurs during your travels. How can curiosity help you launch and succeed in a startup?
Curiosity is extremely important for business owners. First, you have to be curious about yourself. “What am I really good at?” What is it that I’m bad at that makes me want other people to help me? What does the world need? What are you passionate about? What do you think it is about your job that gives you a sense of purpose?
Those are questions to ask yourself. And you have to go out into the world and be interested in what other people are doing. Where are the gaps in the field?
Often, the problem an entrepreneur has has already been solved by many other people. It's not really a matter of invention. It's really a discovery and finding people who have gone through the same thing that you are going through right now and can learn from it.
Curiosity also helps you establish and strengthen strong relationships with the people you work with. So if you want employees who care about you and each other and the work you're doing, and if you want clients who feel connected to you as humans, then You have to be curious about it.
I've been writing a lot lately about multigenerational workplaces. How can curiosity help create successful multigenerational communities in the workplace?
Instead of acting on assumptions like, “Oh, this person is young, this person is old, so I know everything there is to know about them and what they can and cannot do,” be persistently curious. Holding on to your heart will lead to failure.
Rather than coming from a place of assumptions and judgment, come from a place of curiosity and listening and sensing what people can offer. What value do they bring? What would they like to learn from you?
It helps to be curious about who your co-workers are. Get to know who they are as a person, what their interests are, what their preferences are, what they value, and the people who are important to them in their life. Such insights are key, and while they take time to develop, research is important. When you are genuinely interested in another person, it shows less hostility and more empathy.
In other words, you will be able to better understand what the person is like and be able to work well with them.
Tell me how curiosity can help you fight fear of change, whether it's a new job, a career change, or becoming an entrepreneur.
You can replace fear with curiosity. You can replace anxiety with curiosity. You'll find that it doesn't actually constrict you, but rather opens you up. It creates a sense of possibility. It gives optimism, hope, and excitement.
Curiosity helps us progress and move forward. Great leaders are perpetually curious and prone to learning about life. They are always learning and always encourage those around them to discover and learn new things. The world is changing rapidly and we need to constantly pay attention to what is happening inside us and in the world around us.
Scott, I love hiking miles in the countryside with my dog. It energizes me. What can nature teach us about curiosity?
When I work with people, especially businesses and leaders, they are often disconnected from nature, a place where they can feel awe and curiosity. When you step outside and see a valley of giant trees, see the Northern Lights overhead, or gaze at the stars, you get out of your ego and realize how big the world is. , there is a great possibility.
At leadership retreats, I encourage people to take off their shoes and socks and actually walk on the grass. Many of these leaders say, “We haven't done this in years.'' It's about training your powers of observation. It's about training your concentration. It helps them realize that they are not alone, that there are other life forces around them from which they can learn and connect.
Is there such a thing as being too curious?
You can definitely fall into nosy and intrusive curiosity. Just because you're interested in someone's hair, culture, or whether or not they're pregnant doesn't mean you're entitled to that information.
Here are three questions I always ask people to determine if they are curious or curious. “Am I the right person to be curious?” Is now the right time to be curious? And do you know when to slow down?
Some people think they're curious, but they're actually engaging in something called predatory curiosity. This is when you are asking a question with an ulterior motive. Maybe you're asking just to share your perspective. You are asking the question because you want others to ask the same question. That's not real curiosity.
When I advise older job seekers about going for interviews, one thing I always tell them is to try to use the word “curiosity” as much as possible. That's because it instantly gives the hiring manager the impression that you're willing to learn new methods. Be not set in your ways and be open to working in a different way and learning more about the business. What are your thoughts?
I completely agree with that too. People who have a beginner's mindset, are curious, always ask questions, and are good listeners are great people to work with because they're always learning and always growing. They make others feel like their contributions and perspectives are seen and heard.
That's true whether you're a 22-year-old fresh out of college or a 62-year-old seasoned professional.
Kelly Hannon is a senior columnist at Yahoo Finance. She is a workplace futurist, career and retirement strategist, and the author of her 14 books, including “The Future of Life.''Taking Control Even Over 50: How to Succeed in the New World of Work.” and “You’re never too old to get rich.” Follow her on X @Kellyhannon.
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