Fostering Curiosity as a Creative Leader

Last updated December 15, 2020

Fostering Curiosity as a Creative Leader

Last updated December 15, 2020

Communicate in a way that inspires possibilities.

Overview

Curiosity drives learning. Yet for many of us, it is not uncommon to feel constrained in our curiosity. Fear of failure, reticence to challenge the norm, intolerance to ambiguity, or simply forgetting the power of curiosity can limit leaders in their ability to deal with complex problems. When we do not push beyond our limits and develop a curiosity mindset, we often miss out on the most valuable opportunities that can move us, our students, and our institutions forward.   Join us online and learn how to reframe the way you confront and communicate complex problems, so that you and others remain open to new possibilities and invite curiosity thinking. In this webcast, you’ll learn how to ask questions that invite possibilities, use data to broaden perspectives, and encourage the sharing of new ideas. You’ll also get tips on how to validate different ideas and create a sense of belonging as you foster diversity of thought, perspective, and experience within your team.

Who should attend?

This webcast is designed for you if you’re looking to build skills as a creative leader and invite creativity into your own performance and that of your team. You will benefit from this training if you formally or informally lead teams, are looking for ways to encourage possibility thinking, and/or want to create space where curiosity can be embraced and nurtured.

Agenda

Section 1: Why is Curiosity Important?   You will briefly explore the impact and benefits that a curiosity mindset can have on your own performance and the performance of your team.  Section 2: How Can I Foster Curiosity Within Myself?   Take ownership of your curiosity and lean into ambiguity by learning how to:  

  • Ask powerful questions and use curiosity-forward language that avoids judgment and instead invites possibility thinking 
  • Use an improvisation technique to open up the conversation, be inclusive in thought, and reframe your perspective  
  • Explore ways to invite conversation outside of your subject matter expertise to broaden your perspective and gain new ideas 

Section 3: How Can I Foster Curiosity in Others?   Walk away with easy-to-implement tips and strategies for how to: 

  • Communicate in a way that promotes a culture of idea generation that supports risk taking and humility  
  • Evaluate and communicate the right data to ease discomfort with ambiguity and move others outside of their comfort zone 
  • Create a sense of belonging by being intentional in who you invite to the table and how you recognize different perspectives and voices