Model Curiosity and Learning

As managers, it’s easy to look at our role as coach or teacher, but there are always things we can learn from our staff, encouraging a culture of curiosity and reciprocity. While we may have more experience or are potentially skilled in different areas, staff have unique perspectives that provide opportunities to learn new ways of approaching problems.

Work with your staff to encourage brainstorming and alternative viewpoints.  Let staff take turns taking charge of ongoing meetings and let them set the agenda where possible.  Shadow your staff or take over some of their responsibilities occasionally, letting them train you as needed.

Opening ourselves and our staff up to new ideas helps encourage a culture of curiosity and may help tamp down judgement.  Modeling behavior that truly values learning will help promote productivity and innovation.

Take a few moments to ask questions, even if you think you know the answers, and listen and utilize their ideas.  Ask for any suggestions on timewasters.  What tasks do staff complete that they don’t believe are necessary or they find too time consuming?  Task staff with coming up with new processes once or twice/year.  Hopefully everyone will learn something!

#positivity #management #hrconsultant #learning #creativity

Encourage curiosity and learning--we need this to encourage growth!