(By Buzz Knight) As we count down the days before I and 150,000 of my closest friends descend on Las Vegas for CES 2024, it’s important to reflect on the importance of curiosity when thinking about how great leadership is shaped. CES is a show about the dreamers of innovation who want to solve “pain point” problems for various industries and create solutions that can improve things for all.
Customers, clients, partners, employees, and shareholders all win when a breakthrough in innovation occurs.
Many of these dreamers are still in a funding stage and in some cases their dreams will, for the time being, not be a reality. In fact, it’s entirely possible some of them have failed multiple times with their current venture or with previous ventures. These innovators started with a targeted curiosity about how they could develop a solution. They share the important leadership trait of a fear of failure. They have ice in their veins when it comes to a conviction and purpose.
Additionally, the curious leader can bring a diverse team of individuals together who share this same belief in changing a business and making a difference. These leaders understand how to merge a sense of curiosity with a unified spirit of collaboration.
The curious leader also knows that often it is lonely at the beginning of a venture.
There is likely some data to support their mission but sometimes it is that sheer unwavering belief in their product or service. These curious leaders share a resilient approach to making things happen. They will listen to their team members for feedback, but they also aren’t afraid to just put their head down and will their venture to success.
The most important trait of these curious leaders is how they see the world around them and their business process.
They are not willing to say the words “this is not possible”. They aren’t afraid to ask questions and they at their core always feel “why not?”
“Why can’t we build something better?”
“Why can’t we solve this problem?”
The curious leader leads with passion and possibility.
Look for my reports next week from Las Vegas for CES 2024 as curiosity rules.
Buzz Knight can be reached by e-mail at [email protected]. Read Buzz’ Radio Ink archives here.
