The Power of the Leadership Mindset: Curiosity, Openness, and Support

Written by Kochamol Sriwong, Senior Consultant at BTS Thailand

When we think of great leaders, the ones who truly make a difference aren’t those who rely on authority alone—they’re the ones who bring a specific mindset to everything they do. In today’s world, where change is constant and expectations are high, three mindsets can elevate a leader’s impact: curiosity, openness, and support. Together, these qualities build trust, drive innovation, and create an environment where people can thrive.

1. Be Curious: Keep Learning and Exploring

Curiosity is the spark that keeps leaders engaged, evolving, and ready for the unexpected. Curious leaders ask questions, listen actively, and constantly seek to understand more about their team, industry, and even themselves. This mindset isn’t just about gaining knowledge; it’s about creating an atmosphere where new ideas and insights are valued.

Curious leaders don’t settle for the first solution. Instead, they dig deeper, exploring different angles and perspectives. By doing this, they encourage their teams to do the same. When people know that their leader is genuinely interested in what they have to say, they feel more valued and are likely to contribute their best ideas.

How to foster curiosity:

• Ask more questions than you give answer. ?Show genuine interest in your team’s ideas, and you’ll be amazed at what surfaces.
• ?Encourage learning. Offer resources, recommend books, or host brainstorming sessions where the goal is to explore new ideas, not just find quick solutions.
• ?Be open to changing your mind. Curiosity is often about flexibility. If a team member presents a different viewpoint, consider it before making a decision.

2. Be Open: Build Trust with Honesty??

An open leader is one who believes in transparency, honesty, and humility. Being open means sharing your thoughts, goals, and sometimes even your struggles. It’s about being real with your team, showing that you’re not only the decision-maker but also a person who can relate to their challenges.

Openness invites collaboration. It creates a safe space where people feel comfortable speaking up, asking questions, and even challenging the status quo. When a leader is open, they build trust and respect within the team, because people know they can rely on them for honest answers and authentic guidance.

Ways to build openness:

• Share your vision and challenges. Let your team know what you’re working towards and the hurdles you’re facing. It makes your leadership more relatable and inspires people to contribute to solving problems.
• Welcome feedback. Create opportunities for your team to give feedback and show that you value their input by taking action on it.
• Practice humility. ?Don’t be afraid to admit mistakes or acknowledge when you don’t have all the answers. Openness often means showing a little vulnerability, which can go a long way in building rapport.

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3. Be Supportive: ?Empower Others to Succeed?

Supportive leaders don’t just manage; they uplift. They’re there to help their teams grow, learn, and succeed. Being supportive means prioritizing the well-being of your team and showing up for them when they need guidance, feedback, or even just encouragement. When leaders invest in their people, it not only boosts morale but also strengthens loyalty and performance.

A supportive mindset is one of empathy and empowerment. It’s about recognizing the unique strengths of each team member and providing the resources, tools, and mentorship they need to reach their potential. Leaders who support their teams build a culture of mutual respect, where everyone feels valued and motivated to give their best.

How to show support:

• ? Celebrate achievements, big and small. Recognize effort and success publicly to show appreciation for your team’s hard work.
• Provide constructive feedback. Offer guidance in a way that’s helpful and uplifting. Focus on growth rather than criticism.
• Make time for one-on-ones. Get to know your team on an individual level. By understanding their personal goals and challenges, you can support them in meaningful ways.

Adopting these three mindsets—curiosity, openness, and support—turns leadership into something more than just directing a team. It transforms it into a journey of mutual growth and success. Curiosity drives discovery, openness builds trust, and support fosters loyalty.

In the end, great leaders are those who are not just focused on their own success, but on creating a positive, empowering environment for everyone around them. By being curious, open, and supportive, you can make a lasting impact that goes beyond the bottom line and helps create a culture where people feel valued, inspired, and ready to bring their best every day.

About the Author

Kochamol Sriwong, Senior Consultant at BTS Thailand, brings over a decade of experience in teaching, training, and coaching at all organizational levels. Dedicated to creating lasting impact, she leads training sessions for various management tiers and continuously enhances her expertise to thrive in diverse scenarios. Kochamol’s commitment to participants’ long-term growth is reflected in her practical, real-world-focused training approach. She finds fulfillment in seeing individuals and organizations thrive, believing that equipping people with the right tools empowers them to reach their full potential. For insights on The Power of the Leadership Mindset, contact her at [email protected].