🔍 The Power of Intellectual Curiosity 🔍 Intellectual curiosity is a driving force behind innovation and growth. Lexy Boever Russell, Executive Assistant to our CEO (Thomas C. Ioele) recently shared her thoughts on the importance of asking "Why?" and how this simple question can lead to deeper understanding and creative solutions. Curiosity isn't just about questioning for the sake of it—it's about seeking to understand the reasons behind decisions and changes. This mindset fosters an environment where new ideas can flourish. Lexy points out that being curious allows us to stay engaged, learn new concepts faster, and develop innovative solutions to the challenges we face. Her journey, from questioning routine changes as a child to being recognized for her intellectual curiosity here at TalentBridge, highlights how valuable this trait is in the workplace. It’s not just about asking questions; it’s about creating a culture where every question is seen as a step towards improvement. When leaders encourage curiosity, they empower their teams to think critically, explore new possibilities, and contribute their best ideas. This approach leads to a more inclusive and innovative environment where everyone feels valued and heard. For parents, managers, or anyone who gets annoyed with the question “why?”, consider that the person asking might simply want a deeper understanding of the situation to help improve it. Embracing these questions can lead to a more inclusive and innovative environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their best ideas. Together, we're nurturing curiosity and driving innovation. Let's get to work... #intellectualcuriosity #leadership #growth #innovation #TalentBridgeLife
Why? I was that kid. I asked “why?” all the time. Not to anger my parents—though it often did��but because I wanted to understand the reasons behind changes in our routines. If we had always used the dishwasher, and suddenly my mom told me to wash something by hand, I’d ask, “Why?” The typical response was, “because I said so,” but I wanted to know the real reason. As an adult, I now understand why some dishes shouldn’t go in the dishwasher, but as a child, I wanted to understand, too. I once had a manager in a brewery where we would often butt heads (he’s one of my good friends now). One day, before opening, he said, “Hey, we’re not going to use the 4 oz glasses for beer tastings anymore; we’re switching to the 8 oz glasses.” "Why?" And this is the only word that came out of my mouth, but my brain had so many more questions. “Why would we use a bigger glass for less than an oz of a beer taste to see if a customer likes it? Why did we suddenly make this change as we’ve been using the 4 oz tasters for two years now. What was the cause of this said change?” To him, I was being insubordinate and questioning his decisions. In a sense, I was questioning his decisions, because I needed to know why we made the change. I assumed everyone’s brains worked this way, but that is not the case. Fast forward several years, and I’m now the Executive Assistant to the CEO at TalentBridge. In a conversation last week, he told me I had intellectual curiosity. According to Indeed, intellectual curiosity is the desire to learn more about the world and find answers to deeper questions. Intellectually curious people take pleasure in exploring how systems work, understanding why people behave in certain ways, and evaluating the underlying reasons behind decisions. In a career, intellectual curiosity helps people stay engaged, learn new concepts faster, and develop creative solutions to problems. I had never heard the term “intellectual curiosity” before, but I am fortunate to have a leader who recognizes and values this trait in me. I have never felt so empowered and grateful for the leadership team at TalentBridge. Being given the opportunity to make changes and have my voice heard, rather than being told, “do this because I’m the boss,” is incredibly refreshing and rewarding. For parents, managers, or anyone who gets annoyed with the question “why?”, consider that the person asking might simply want a deeper understanding of the situation to help improve it. When you hear “why,” try to see it as an opportunity for dialogue and growth rather than a challenge to your authority. Embracing these questions can lead to a more inclusive and innovative environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their best ideas. See it as a spark for curiosity and a catalyst for improvement. #intellectualcuriosity #leadership #growth