The Fast & The Curious
I have had the pleasure of working with some amazingly talented people both client side as well as colleagues past and present. I have learnt a lot from working with them, listening to them and watching ideas develop from flip board in a brain storm which then transform into hugely successful campaigns. Hopefully they’ll feel as though they’ve learnt from me too.
But aside from all the stats, all the thinking, the research, the channels, the meetings, the conferences, the webinars, the press releases, the thought pieces and the analysis, for me talent always starts and thrives with curiosity. Every person that I know that has excelled in what they do has had a genuine curiosity with the world around them. It doesn’t just start and stop with your job. I’m talking about a curiosity that extends way beyond your hobbies and interests too. The insatiable need to find out and understand everything that you come across that puzzles you and sparks interest is a powerful force for good and it can really help with connecting with yourself and other people. People who you would normally never naturally hang out with or have a pint with are easy to connect with and build a relationship with – if – you are curious about the universe and everything in it.
Ice breakers are comfy and small talk is breezy if you’re interested in what other people are interested in and why. Crucially though the small talk that most people dread, more often than not, leads to real and memorable discussions that generate meaningful and lasting affinity. Extending beyond your natural boundaries of interest and being curious about history, recommended books, information, art, technology, religion, trends, fiction and even stuff that you’re not into, but you want to know why other people are, is really powerful.
Two things happen when you’re curious about our universe and everything in it:
1) You listen really well.
2) You come up with lots of ideas.
Combine the above with an easy and natural ability to connect with people from all walks of life, background, colour or creed and you can expect the world and the outreaching mind you possess to entwine and become your exciting journey to enjoy.
Just stay curious and the rest will follow.
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Matt Webster | MW-W Consulting: Make Waves not Waste