Nurturing Curiosity: The Key to Team Development

During my time at my first job at the power transmission organisation, I and a colleague of mine had the opportunity to work closely with two consultants from the USA. Fresh out of college with just one year of rotational training under our belts, our knowledge of telecom was limited. However, we were eager to learn, make our mark, and contribute to the organisation's success.

As we collaborated on creating draft specifications, we often came up with new ideas, sometimes even seemingly crazy ones. However, instead of dismissing our curiosity, one of the consultants embraced it. He would laugh warmly, with genuine encouragement and inclusivity, and then take the time to share practical knowledge, expanding our understanding.

This consultant invested in our development as engineers. It meant putting in extra work during the nights, but he gladly devoted that time. In return, we did our best to contribute by conducting research and sharing the workload. Ultimately, this investment in our growth paid off, and we achieved successful outcomes.

I believe that all leaders should strive to be as generous as this consultant. They should encourage curiosity within their teams and invest in their development. When leaders foster an environment that nurtures curiosity, it creates a culture of continuous learning and growth. It empowers team members to explore new ideas, challenge existing norms, and think outside the box.

By embracing curiosity, leaders can unlock the full potential of their teams. They can inspire innovation, creativity, and problem-solving. When team members feel encouraged to ask questions, seek knowledge, and share ideas, they become more engaged, motivated, and invested in their work.

Investing in team development may require additional time and effort from leaders, but the rewards are immense. It cultivates a strong sense of loyalty, trust, and camaraderie within the team. It also enhances overall team performance and drives organisational success.