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What if the secret to becoming a more effective leader lies not in developing a subject matter expertise and amassing years of experience, but in embracing a simple question: “Why?”
In a world where innovation and forward momentum often define success, stopping to question why can be the difference maker for effective and enlightened leaders.
I recently sat down with Brandon Fong, host of the globally ranked Beyond Curious podcast, to explore how curiosity shapes leadership and professional growth.
Brandon champions curiosity not just as an essential leadership skill but as a lifeline to deeper, more meaningful connections within ourselves and with others.
As Brandon emphasizes, “Curiosity is really the seed of any creation in the world. You have to have that wonder.” He believes that when we embed curiosity in our approach to life and work, it unlocks new pathways to personal and professional revelation.
Why Curiosity Is a Core Leadership Skill for Modern Leadership
Brandon’s approach begins with a straightforward yet impactful principle—approaching every situation with a sense of wonder.
He encourages leaders to challenge their assumptions, embrace uncertainty, and learn from each experience.
Curiosity creates a space where leaders can step back, ask questions, and explore new insights. This mindset shift not only propels personal growth but also acts as a catalyst for higher consciousness within organizations.
- Action step: What assumptions do you hold on what truly makes a leader? Likely formed by examples set by others, have you thought about how those attributes are working for or against you? Consider what could happen for you and your team with regular reflection on why you do the things you and what effect those actions are having.
Find Your Four: A Framework to Identify Leadership Strengths and Maximize Impact
One of the standout concepts Brandon shared is the “Find Your Four” framework. This methodology runs parallel to the principles of the Pareto Principle, which states that 80% of the outcome comes from 20% of the causes (actions). Brandon takes that a step further by drilling into 20% of that 20%, focusing on uncovering the top 4% of actions or qualities that generate the majority of results in one’s life.
Brandon uses custom tools, like his tailored GPT, to help individuals distill their unique strengths. The process offers deep insights into the unconscious strengths we often overlook, spotlighting those actions and beliefs that truly drive meaningful outcomes.
After we wrapped this podcast, Brandon took our conversation and my experience writing my book, “The Leaders Playlist”, through his Find Your 4% framework and the results were incredibly insightful. Brandon used his GPT to drill down the theme of my 20%, which is Transformational Thought Leadership and then further broke it down to my 4%, Trailblazing Through Exploration. Emblematic of just how accurate the results are, is this very podcast: I come to every episode with genuine curiosity and a desire for community building and work on my own enlightened leadership through that authenticity.
- Action step: Identify a meaningful accomplishment in your life. Then, reflect on the story behind it. What beliefs, actions, and outcomes formed its foundation? Seek feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors to further unveil your 4% of impactful actions.
Using Curiosity to Lead Through Change
Brandon’s insights Illuminate a powerful truth: curiosity isn’t just a fleeting moment; it’s a vibrant and ongoing practice that is needed to lead in today’s rapidly changing environment.
Imagine infusing your daily practices with curiosity: What would happen if you started your day with meditation rather than coffee? What are you missing out on by eating lunch at your desk rather than with your staff? Question and reflection transforms into a dynamic catalyst for change, empowering you to inspire others and shape a brighter future.
Brandon also shares…
- How unlocking your 4% superpowers can radically change life’s trajectory.
- Methods to foster deeper personal and organizational connections.
- Strategies to turn adversity and challenges into powerful steppingstones for growth.
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