The Art of Asking ‘Why and how?’- Cultivating Curiosity in Leadership

Cultivating a Culture of Curiosity

My life has been a testament to the power of curiosity, to the simple yet profound act of asking “Why and how?”. This question has guided me through the maze of personal and professional growth, leading me to new insights, understanding, and pathways. It’s not just a question; it’s a way of engaging with the world, a method for peeling back the layers of what is to discover what could be.

I found that arriving in each moment with an attitude of gratitude, along with the curiosity of how to contribute to its specific needs as well as I could perceive them, offered splendid opportunities to engage with a sense of joy. That doesn’t mean they were always joyful, just that I could choose my altitude and attitude, simply.

Leadership Through Inquiry

In my roles as a transformational life coach and a leader, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of curiosity. Whether it’s in one-on-one coaching sessions or leading workshops for diverse groups, the willingness to ask open-ended questions and explore the depths of human motivation and consciousness has opened doors to growth and understanding for myself and others.

For nearly two decades, I led stakeholder partnering sessions for major construction projects, aligning various parties on protocols and resolution plans for potential issues within 2 to 5-year project schedules.

I introduced innovative concepts like paradigm shifts, emphasizing communication, honesty, and proactiveness, with creative terms such as ‘jobarchy’ and phrases like ‘no ego without wego.’ These strategies were aimed at fostering a cooperative team environment, lightening the mood while solidifying the team’s commitment and intent. Some of those projects won awards.

Engaging with the World Through Questions

My dialogues on platforms such as the Campfire Project and the Business News Network podcast have been opportunities to dive into the intellectual rigor and transformational themes that shape our lives. These conversations, characterized by a deep curiosity and a willingness to explore complex topics, have reinforced my belief in the importance of maintaining an inquisitive mind.

On the Business Broadcast Network, my conversation revolved around the essence and approach of transformational coaching. I discussed the deep internal exploration necessary for authentic change, emphasizing the importance of confronting inner fears to achieve congruence between one’s internal state and external reality. This dialogue underscored the practical methodologies and introspective questioning I employ to guide individuals toward realizing their fullest potential and embracing their true selves.

On the Campfire Project, I shared a deeply personal story of transformation following a near-death experience at 18, which propelled me into a lifelong quest for understanding consciousness and our connection to the divine. This platform provided a space to explore the philosophical and existential questions that have shaped my journey, illustrating the trials and triumphs encountered along the way. My narrative highlighted the significance of continuous inquiry and the quest for personal and universal understanding.

Overcoming the Challenges of Curiosity

Embracing curiosity, especially in environments that may resist questioning, has its challenges. Yet, it’s in these moments of resistance that the true power of curiosity shines through. By staying true to my inquisitive nature, I’ve navigated skepticism and obstacles, finding new ways to inspire growth and innovation.

Radical curiosity in the face of skepticism has been a hallmark of my journey, a path illuminated by early encounters with the unknown. My inquisitive nature was sparked by childhood experiences around the time of President Kennedy’s assassination in November 1963, a period that dovetailed with my own profound revelations.

Learning of my adoption and experiencing a disembodied voice calling out in the darkness were pivotal moments that deepened my quest for understanding beyond the conventional, setting the stage for a lifetime dedicated to exploring the unseen and unspoken realms of existence apparently available to anyone.

Curiosity as a Catalyst for Change

Through my work and personal experiences, I’ve seen how curiosity can act as a catalyst for change, driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and leading to meaningful transformation. It’s a tool not just for personal growth but for creating a ripple effect of positive change in the world around us.

Through my work and personal experiences, I’ve discovered that curiosity is not just a personal trait but a powerful catalyst for change, innovation, and meaningful transformation in both ourselves and the world around us. My journey into the realms of curiosity began in childhood, amidst natural explorations and mystical encounters with a guiding ‘Voice,’ laying a foundation for a life marked by inquiry and discovery.

These early experiences—ranging from out-of-body explorations to the solitary contemplation of nature’s wonders—underscored the profound impact of curiosity. They taught me that by embracing the unknown and challenging conventional boundaries, we can foster collaboration, drive innovation, and initiate a ripple effect of positive change. This holistic view of curiosity as a transformative force reflects my belief in its potential to not only facilitate personal growth but also to inspire collective advancement and a deeper connection to the world around us.

The Interconnection of Curiosity and Innovation

Reflecting on my unconventionality, I see curiosity as the thread that weaves through the fabric of innovation. Each venture, each project, and each leap into the unknown were underscored by the simple act of questioning—of looking beyond what is to imagine what could be.

This foundational principle not only shaped my path but also prepared me for the complexities and challenges of fostering innovation in various domains.

A pivotal midlife event that encapsulates this journey of curiosity and transformation occurred during the Harmonic Convergence in August 1987. On my way to work, the notion of this global synchronization, as discussed on a local radio station, ignited a profound curiosity within me. It made my gut shake, literally.

This led to a spontaneous decision to immerse myself and my family in the event by camping near Sedona, seeking a deeper connection and understanding of this cosmic alignment. My engagement with this phenomenon, driven by an instinctive pull towards the metaphysical, underscored a pivotal moment of reawakening—a vivid illustration that I couldn’t tell the difference between a dream or a vision of how my unceasing curiosity has been the catalyst for personal evolution and the exploration of new dimensions of consciousness.​

Curiosity in Action: Bridging the Cosmic and the Mundane

As we transition from exploring the roots of innovation to cultivating curiosity in leadership, and looking ahead to the evolution of a visionary, it’s clear that the art of asking “Why and how?” serves as a bridge. This bridge spans the gap between the cosmic questions that fuel our existential inquiries and the mundane challenges that ground us in our daily lives and professional endeavors.

As we delve into the essence of innovation and the cultivation of curiosity within leadership, my personal journey offers a vivid illustration of the practical application of these concepts. A pivotal moment occurred when I embraced the role of a construction partnering facilitator, working with stakeholders in the aerospace industry. This role required not just technical acumen but a profound shift in perspective—viewing challenges as opportunities and fostering a collaborative environment through open communication and mutual respect.

This experience underscored the importance of asking “Why and how?” not only in philosophical or existential contexts but in addressing real-world problems, bridging the cosmic with the mundane and demonstrating the transformative power of curiosity in leading teams and projects towards success.

Setting the Stage for Chapter 3: From Starry-Eyed to Strategy-Eyed

The journey from being starry-eyed—awed by the vastness of the universe and the depth of human potential—to becoming strategy-eyed, where visions are translated into actionable strategies, is a testament to the transformative power of curiosity.

In Chapter 3, we will delve deeper into how this transition has manifested in my life, from the exploration of consciousness and the cosmos to applying these insights in strategic and visionary leadership. The evolution from curiosity to strategic vision encapsulates the essence of my journey, highlighting the pivotal role of asking “Why and how?” in navigating the path from inspiration to implementation.

In Conclusion

The journey of curiosity is an ongoing voyage of discovery—one that challenges us to continually explore, question, and connect. As we move forward, the lessons gleaned from the art of asking “Why and how?” serve as a compass, guiding us through the intricacies of innovation, leadership, and vision. It’s a journey that not only shapes our personal and professional lives but also impacts the world around us, encouraging others to embark on their own paths of discovery and success.

As I continue on my journey, the art of asking “Why and how?” remains at the core of my approach to life and leadership. It remains a beacon, guiding me through the uncharted territories of both the personal and professional spheres. The art of inquiry is not just about seeking answers but about fostering a deeper connection with the world and the myriad possibilities it holds.