??The tango of curiosity and judgement??

Hi BrainBitters,

Welcome to another edition of ??Rethink: Eve’s BrainBits?? . Today, we’re explore curiosity and how it truly comes alive when we let go of judgment.

At first glance, you might wonder: what does curiosity have to do with judgment?

Curiosity invites us to learn, explore, and embrace what we don’t yet understand. Judgment, on the other hand, can confine us, trapping us within the boundaries of what we think we already know.

When we let curiosity take the lead, we open ourselves up to new possibilities in our relationships, our workplaces, and our understanding of ourselves.

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” — Albert Einstein

The power of curiosity: A mindset shift

Curiosity isn’t just a response to the unknown; it’s a way of being, a choice in how we approach the world. When we embrace life with curiosity, we commit to growth and learning that go far beyond any single interaction.

This shift invites us to ask, “Why?” and “What if?” rather than jumping to conclusions. It encourages us to lean into uncertainty, welcoming the chance to see the world from fresh perspectives.

Yet that’s the challenge: for many of us, it feels uncomfortable not to know.

"The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge." — Stephen Hawking

Imagine approaching conversations and challenges not with the need to prove yourself or show what you know, but with a true desire to understand. This shift doesn’t just deepen your insights; it creates a ripple effect, inspiring others to bring new ideas and perspectives forward.

"Curiosity is the engine of achievement." — Ken Robinson

Letting go of judgment

Psychological safety is rooted in our ability to be non-judgmental and foster curiosity. When we set aside judgment, we create a safe space where others feel seen, heard, and valued. In such an environment, people are more willing to take risks, share bold ideas, and even admit mistakes. They know they won’t be met with criticism but with openness.

Imagine the possibilities if your team felt this level of support.

Letting go of judgment doesn’t mean agreeing with everything. It’s about approaching others’ experiences and ideas with a genuine desire to understand, without the interference of preconceptions.

This shift transforms “I already know” into “Tell me more,” allowing for deeper connections and innovative solutions to emerge.

“Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won’t come in.” — Isaac Asimov

Curiosity begins with self-awareness

Here’s a challenge: consider your own assumptions. Curiosity starts with self-reflection and self-awareness. What judgments do you find yourself making automatically, and how might they be limiting your understanding? Practicing self-awareness helps us make curiosity a habit. It means noticing when we jump to conclusions and choosing instead to pause, listen, and ask questions.

Next time you’re tempted to assume or interrupt, try asking yourself, “What can I learn here?” Imagine how this small shift could change your interactions and deepen your relationships.

The power of different perspectives

Did you know that Abraham Lincoln famously gathered a “team of rivals”? Rather than surrounding himself with like-minded allies, he invited those with opposing views, choosing to listen and learn from their perspectives.

What can we learn from Lincoln’s example?

Your call to action

Now it’s your turn.

• Reflect for a moment: in which situations do you jump to conclusions? Where can you start to be more curious?
• What is one thing you can do this week to practice curiosity?
• How can you take steps to better understand others’ perspectives?
• Can you come up with three questions after a conversation that reflect genuine curiosity?

Try this:

• Notice your judgments. When they arise, pause and ask, “What if I saw this differently?”
• Take a “listening-only” approach to one meeting or conversation this week, where your sole goal is to understand, not to respond.

"I never learned anything while I was talking." — Larry King

As you go about your week, remember: true strength lies not in what we know, but in our willingness to discover and learn.

Stay curious, Stay open, and Keep those?? brainwaves ??buzzing.

Cheers,

?

P.S. Ring the ?? so you don’t miss any of Rethink: Eve's BrainBits.

About Me

Thank you for being a part of Rethink: Eve’s BrainBits. Your support and curiosity are what keep this journey alive. Some of you have asked why I’m writing this.

My mission is to help your law firm and organization unlock their full potential and thrive in current landscape.

This journey has taken me through some of the world’s top business schools—Oxford-Sa?d, Harvard Business School, Kellogg, and Stanford GSB.

As a strategic advisor, I specialize in leadership, innovation, and organizational transformation. I apply evidence-based methods to help firms become a better place to work.

In addition to my advisory work, I serve as a Course Facilitator at Stanford GSB and as an advisory council for Harvard Business Review.

My goal is to support you and your firm’s success. Together, we rethink and reshape work and business.

Rethink, Reflect, Revise. "We transform, you grow."