In my research for my dissertation, I discovered something quite interesting. Effective innovative leaders exhibit an inquisitive nature. Dan Reiland, former executive pastor to John Maxwell and currently the executive pastor at 12Stone Church, refers to this skill as curiosity.
From Abraham Lincoln’s Secretary of State William Henry Seward’s “perfectly discipline mind” (Doris Kearns Goodwin, Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln) to Google’s emphasis on hiring research scientists adept at analytical thinking, the leader develops the ability to reflect and think deeply. The biblical leaders demonstrated this practice by spending intentional time in prayer.
The innovative leader discovers new ideas through the learning process and creates a learning environment among his colleagues. As a result, learning becomes valued among his or team.
How have you developed this skill or what ways can others develop the skill of curiosity?
