Welcome to Inside Personal Growth!
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In today's episode, Jeff Wetzler, co-CEO of Transcend and author of Ask: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs In Leadership and Life shares invaluable insights into leadership and curiosity. Jeff delves into his motivation for writing his book and the importance of addressing unspoken challenges in leadership.
The Unspoken Problem
Jeff highlights a pervasive issue he terms "the unspoken" - critical ideas, insights, and perspectives that remain untapped within teams and organizations. Drawing from his own experience, he recounts a significant event where a major training event was on the brink of failure due to team members withholding critical information out of fear. This scenario underscores the importance of creating a psychologically safe environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their honest perspectives.
Creating Psychological Safety
Jeff also emphasizes that psychological safety is essential for effective leadership. Leaders must actively foster an environment where open communication is encouraged, and team members feel safe to express their concerns without fear of retribution. This involves building genuine connections with team members, understanding their fears, and demonstrating empathy. By doing so, leaders can bridge the gap between hierarchical positions and cultivate a culture of trust and transparency.
Curiosity as a Leadership Tool
Curiosity plays a pivotal role in unlocking human potential and fostering innovation. Jeff introduces the concept of "connective curiosity," a form of curiosity focused on understanding and learning from others. This type of curiosity is not merely about acquiring knowledge but about caring for and connecting with others on a deeper level. By centering on the question, "What can I learn from this person?" leaders can shift their mindset from one of authority to one of genuine interest and engagement.
Practical Steps for Leaders
To embed curiosity and psychological safety within an organization, leaders should:
1. Build Genuine Connections: Invest time in developing relationships with team members beyond immediate work needs. Understanding their personal and professional backgrounds creates a foundation of trust.
2. Foster Open Dialogue: Encourage team members to share their thoughts and concerns by asking open-ended questions and actively listening to their responses.
3. Model Vulnerability: Leaders should share their own dilemmas and challenges, demonstrating that it's safe to discuss difficulties and uncertainties.
4. Prioritize Empathy: Show genuine care and concern for team members' well-being, validating their experiences and perspectives.
Jeff's insights remind us that effective leadership is not just about making decisions but about creating environments where people feel valued, heard, and empowered to contribute their best ideas. By fostering curiosity and psychological safety, leaders can unlock the full potential of their teams, leading to unexpected breakthroughs in both leadership and life.
For more on Jeff Wetzler's approach and to explore his book, visit Ask Approach.
➥ www.askapproach.com/
Learn more about your Inside Personal Growth host, Greg Voisen:
➥ gregvoisen.com
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