"Curiosity Killed the Cat"...but...

After my recent post read it here , I was sent a private message reminding me of the phrase...

"Curiosity killed the cat."

It sparked a robust back-an-forth that got me thinking—not only about the origin of this saying but also about what it really means, especially in the context of business and leadership.

First, let’s talk about where this phrase comes from...

Many people think they know the meaning of "curiosity killed the cat"—it’s often taken as a cautionary warning: "Don’t be too curious, or you’ll get into trouble."

But here’s the twist—it wasn’t always about curiosity.

From my research, the original phrase was actually "care killed the cat," where "care" referred to worry or sorrow. It dates back to the late 16th century and was used to suggest that excessive caution or worry could lead to harm.

At some point in history, "care" morphed into "curiosity," and that’s the version we hear today.

But what’s even more interesting is the lesser-known second part of the proverb:

"...but satisfaction brought it back."

This suggests that while curiosity might lead us into risky or uncomfortable situations, the quest for knowledge and understanding can ultimately be rewarding. So, curiosity might get the cat in trouble, but it also brings it back to life through the satisfaction of discovery.

What Does This Mean Today?

Reflecting on this, in today’s business environment—especially in leadership and innovation—there’s a lot to unpack.

We’re often conditioned to think of curiosity as a risk, a distraction, or even something to be discouraged. But when you dig deeper, you realise that curiosity is a powerful driver of growth, creativity, and innovation.

It’s how businesses discover new markets, solve complex problems, and stay ahead of the competition.

Think about it...some of the greatest breakthroughs in business came from leaders and teams who weren’t afraid to ask "what if?" or "why not?" These are the curious minds that step outside of their comfort zone, challenge the status quo, and look beyond the obvious for solutions.

Curiosity Encourages Adaptability

Curiosity also keeps businesses adaptable.

In a world where industries and markets are constantly changing, sticking to what you know isn’t just risky—it’s a recipe for stagnation.

Leaders who foster curiosity encourage their teams to explore new ideas, question assumptions, and remain open to change. This adaptability is critical for surviving and thriving in an uncertain environment.

The Flip Side - Is Too Much Curiosity a Bad Thing?

Of course, we can’t overlook the potential downside.

As with anything, balance is key.

Too much curiosity, without a clear direction or goal, can lead to analysis paralysis. It’s easy to get caught up in endless exploration without actually taking action. This is where leadership comes in.

A curious leader knows when to dig deep into a new idea and when to pivot or act quickly.

Curiosity in Leadership

From my perspective, curiosity isn’t just about exploring new ideas - it’s about listening, asking the right questions, and understanding perspectives that might otherwise go unnoticed.

A curious leader is more likely to be empathetic, open to feedback, and engaged in continuous learning. In other words, curiosity in leadership fosters a culture where innovation can thrive.

But curiosity in leadership also means recognising when to pause the exploration and make a decision. It’s about balancing the desire for discovery with the need for results.

So, How Curious Should We Be?

As I reflected more on this age-old proverb and its evolution, it struck me how relevant the second part—"but satisfaction brought it back"—is to business.

Curiosity may lead to some failures, but those failures are often stepping stones to success. In fact, many of the most valuable lessons we learn in business come from curiosity-fueled experiments that don’t quite go as planned. And that’s okay...

For businesses and leaders, the challenge is not to avoid curiosity but to harness it wisely. It’s about creating a culture where people feel encouraged to explore, question, and innovate, but also know when it’s time to take those insights and turn them into action.

I’d love to hear your thoughts....

Is curiosity something you value in leadership or your organisation? Have you experienced the tension between curiosity and action? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!