.png)
The phrase has entered the broad pop culture recently, with the charming show Ted Lasso. While the show is an endearing comedy, looking at life and leadership through the lens of an empathic manager, you'll see a lot of the basic principles of positive management.
The powerful effect a manager can have by truly being interested in the individuals within their team and by openly admitting that they too must learn about the current context is hard to overstate.
Let's see how we can also bring more positive and constructive energy in our leadership style.
A curious manager approaches team processes and challenges with the assumption that they exist for a reason. Even if things seem broken, the first step is understanding where they are coming from. For example, if a certain process seems convoluted, inquire about its origins before proposing changes. Understanding the history behind a process can reveal underlying reasons and potential areas for improvement.
Another tenet of curiosity is assuming that people are always trying to do their best with the information and context they are aware of. Instead of quick judgment, consider the broader circumstances influencing their decisions. Suppose a team member consistently delivers unsatisfactory results. Instead of assuming negligence, delve into potential challenges they may be facing, such as lack of training or poor goal alignment.
In the realm of management, snap judgments can lead to misguided decisions and strained team dynamics. Resist the urge to pass quick judgment on a team member's performance or a process that seems inefficient. For instance, if a project falls behind schedule, refrain from immediately pointing fingers. Instead, initiate a conversation to uncover the root causes and collaboratively find solutions.
Curiosity thrives in an environment of open questioning. When managers observe challenges or inefficiencies, it's crucial to phrase their observations as open questions with a sincere intent to understand, not criticize. Instead of stating, "This process is clearly flawed," ask, "Can you help me understand the reasoning behind this process? I want to ensure we're considering all perspectives."
Consider a scenario where a team consistently struggles to meet deadlines. A judgmental approach might involve reprimanding the team for lack of diligence. On the contrary, a curious manager would initiate a discussion by asking, "I've noticed that you struggle to meet deadlines. Can you share your perspective on what might be causing this, and how can we address it?"
Embracing curiosity is not just a managerial strategy, it's a transformative attitude that inspires growth and collaboration. When managers approach challenges with an open mind, they create a culture where team members feel heard, valued, and motivated to contribute their best.
In the spirit of "Ted Lasso," let's foster an environment where curiosity prevails over judgment—a culture that propels teams toward success through understanding, empathy, and continuous improvement.
