The Gift of Curiosity

Article written by Michele Gravelle, Principal at Triad Consulting Group

This time of year, there is a lot of emphasis placed on the meaning of holidays, traditions, and seasonal activities. Every individual of course, has their own thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that they associate with this time of year.?It’s easy to fall into the habit of thinking that everyone has a similar outlook about celebrations and gatherings, and we tend to assume that the people around us share our perspective.

It’s true in conversations as well, regardless of the topic. We tend to think we know what the other person is thinking. We naturally make assumptions about what they’re saying and what it means. The biggest and maybe even the most powerful gift you can give yourself and others this season is the gift of curiosity—curiosity about their story, their feelings, their perspective. In fact, one of the most important questions you can ask someone after they've shared information with you is: “What does that mean to you?”

Instead of jumping to conclusions, racing to problem-solve, giving unsolicited advice, or walking away scratching your head and thinking, “What on earth did they mean!?!?!”—simply ask!!!

By asking the question, “What does that mean to you?”,?you demonstrate your willingness to set aside your own default assumptions, you convey to the person you are talking to that you genuinely want to learn more about what they’ve just said, and you show that you recognize there is a difference between your perspective and theirs.?

What an amazing gift to give someone in your life—the gift of your curiosity, attention, and respect.?Give this gift often and consistently and you’ll find that it truly is the gift that keeps on giving.