Unlocking the Power of Curiosity and Memory for Talent Development: A Neuroscientific Approach
Bethany Spilde
Chief Possibilities + Learning Officer | Entrepreneur | Curiosity Champion | Visionary | Former Pro-Athlete
In today’s fast-paced world, learning and development (L&D) programs must evolve to not only equip employees with the right skills but also to engage them on a deeper, more human level. A powerful, often overlooked tool for talent development lies in a simple yet profound trait: curiosity.
Recent neuroscience research, as discussed in the conversation between Andrew Huberman and Dr. Char Ranganath, shows that curiosity is more than just a fleeting interest. It’s the engine that drives learning, memory retention, and even long-term brain health. So, how can we harness curiosity and these brain-based principles to build more effective and engaging talent development programs?
Curiosity: The Key to Learning That Sticks
In our increasingly digital workplace, many teams struggle with information overload (I know, I do!). We attend training sessions, but the real challenge is retention. Huberman’s discussion on dopamine highlights a solution: when people are genuinely curious, their brain releases dopamine—a neurotransmitter that enhances their capacity to learn and store new information.
This process is especially evident in children, whose brains show high plasticity, making them especially adept at learning and remembering. Children's natural curiosity about the world is directly linked to their ability to form new neural connections, which fosters rapid learning and retention. By tapping into that same sense of wonder, we can all enhance our learning and retention at any age.
Key takeaway: Build curiosity into your L&D programs. Design learning experiences that provoke questions, encourage exploration, and offer new perspectives. When employees are curious, they are neurologically primed to retain more information, which boosts the effectiveness of your programs.
Creating an Environment for Cognitive Movement
Curiosity isn’t just about individual motivation—it’s also about cognitive movement, the mental forward motion that leads to innovation and growth. Neuroscientific research shows that when dopamine is released, it doesn’t just fuel memory; it powers progress. This means that a workplace culture where curiosity thrives is also one where innovation flourishes.
Key takeaway: Encourage employees to challenge assumptions and embrace curiosity as a core value. Create a culture where it’s safe to explore, experiment, and even fail. This will help foster cognitive movement within teams, leading to new ideas, improved problem-solving, and greater collaboration.
Curiosity and Talent Development: A Lifelong Process
Another compelling insight from the Huberman-Ranganath interview is that curiosity isn’t bound by age. Whether employees are new hires or tenured veterans, their capacity for curiosity—and the benefits that come with it—remain intact. In fact, nurturing curiosity may be even more important as employees grow in their careers, as it keeps their minds flexible and open to new knowledge.
Key takeaway: L&D programs shouldn’t just focus on new skills. They should cultivate a sense of wonder and curiosity across all career stages. Offer opportunities for seasoned employees to explore new areas, take on stretch projects, or mentor others. Curiosity is what keeps learning alive, no matter where employees are in their professional journey.
The Science of Purpose and Engagement
Finally, Huberman’s insights on memory and purpose tie back to employee engagement. When individuals feel connected to a larger sense of purpose, they are more motivated to learn and contribute. Purpose gives employees something to care about, and that sense of care energizes brain function, fostering both memory and productivity.
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Key takeaway: Frame learning and development opportunities within the larger purpose of your organization. Help employees see how their growth aligns with organizational goals and their personal values. This alignment fuels engagement and creates a workforce that is not only skilled but passionate about their work.
Leading by Example: Curiosity and Continual Learning at Lallemand Baking
I am honored to be leading a strategic work group for Lallemand Baking called Curiosity and Continual Learning. Lallemand is a company that values the entrepreneurial spirit and encourages curiosity—a core value that drives innovation and growth. Through this initiative, we aim to foster a culture where employees are empowered to learn, explore, and challenge the status quo.
Addressing the Workforce of the Future
Beyond the challenges of information overload, we also face a rapidly changing workforce. With lower birth rates and an aging population, the future will bring a shrinking talent pool, compounded by the rise of AI and automation. In this landscape, employee retention, engagement, upskilling/reskilling will be more crucial than ever. People will always be a company’s most valuable asset and investment. Building a workplace where the power of human potential can be realized is not just a priority—it’s the key to thriving in the future.
Moving Forward
Curiosity and memory are more than just abstract scientific concepts—they are powerful tools we can leverage to build better learning experiences in the workplace. By creating environments that spark curiosity, engage employees in cognitive movement, and connect learning to a deeper sense of purpose, we can help employees grow in ways that feel exciting and sustainable.
As leaders [in talent development], our mission is to ignite curiosity, knowing that it will pave the way for continuous learning, innovation, and growth.
Can you imagine a Culture of Curiosity? How are you sparking curiosity in your workplace? What are you curious about? #StayCurious #Explore #Learn #Retain
"The future belongs to the curious. The ones who are not afraid to try it, explore it, poke at it, question it, and turn it inside out." - Eleanor Roosevelt
RESOURCES:
Professor at University of California, Davis
1 个月Thank you Bethany! Interested readers can also check out my book Why We Remember, in which I devote a whole chapter to the topic.
Encouraging a culture of curiosity not only makes learning more engaging but also fosters deeper understanding.
The Curiosity Engineer | Educational Neuroscience | Leadership Development | Wiradjuri | Sharer of Knowledge
1 个月I love your insight here Bethany Spilde! What you are apart of in building curiosity and continual learning sounds amazing. Curiosity requires space. Something children have in abundance before their mind is cluttered up with “adult things”. Space allows for wonder and awe which are the emotions of curiosity! Thanks for the post!