Volume 2, Issue 1, January 2023
Welcome to Volume 2, Issue 1 of The Root.
In order to support our growth, we require a strong network of roots. They anchor us and serve as a conduit for nutrients to help us develop and deliver on our goals.
As we move into the new year, we focus on getting ready for all that is in store for us in 2023. Pure and Simple. Now that we’ve rested (and hopefully, we have), what are some tune-ups we need as leaders, coaches and entrepreneurs to be our best selves.
My skill to brush up on as a coach and entrepreneur is to be curious.
Thank you for following along our journey to Aspire to Grow.
Check us out at www.aspiretogrow.co <the .com domain was taken, but I like to think of it as “.co” for co-create>.
Off the Shelf – My Book Pick
Humble Inquiry: The Gentle Art of Asking Instead of Telling by Edgar H. Schein and Peter A. Schein
Humble Inquiry: The Gentle Art of Asking Instead of Telling is a quick(er) read for those wanting to get an easier start to 2023 reading list. At 124 pages, it is a concise summary on how to become a more attentive, curious leader. Edgar Schein is one of the foremost psychologists researching organizational development including the importance of culture. His readings were key to my Organizational learning and Coaching coursework.
Schein and his son, provide an update to this edition of Humble Inquiry to remind us that in these more complex times, it is essential as leaders to continue to learn from those within the organizational levels (above, below and across). The key to asking questions through humble and authentic inquiry, builds key relationships at all levels and inevitably helps to grow a psychologically safe culture.
By asking the right questions, we become curious to other points of view and help to “untangle complex situations” that occur in today’s organizational environments.
Stop Telling
When I first read this book, I had a huge a-ha moment. I had spent many times as a newer leader feeling I needed to have all the answers. Many of us had been subject matter experts for many years, but now, we rely on our leaders at all levels to provide their insight from their interactions and experiences. It’s no longer one solution fits all situations. We don’t have to (nor should we expect to) know it all.
An Art & An Attitude
The Scheins remind us that by definition, humble inquiry is an art as much as it is an attitude. It’s a very tough muscle to build to ask questions that show our vulnerability. I’ve needed to remind myself with a sticky note on my computer monitor (These have clear printed words that remind me to “Stay Curious”, “Ask don’t tell”).
We can show humility by staying curious and interested in addition to showing empathy for our team members and colleagues. By building trust and relationships, we invariable move from transactional to transformational outcomes. This humility affords us the following:
- Being helpful
- Building relationships
- Deciphering complex solutions
By inquiring of our teams, we as leaders can strategically pull the pieces together to help solve complex problems (did you notice the words “help solve” vs. “solve”?)
Above all, humble inquiry allows us to reframe our role as leaders to be accepting of our limitations and train ourselves to remove our biases and judgments when asking questions.
A few key questions to put in your leadership toolkit
- What else is happening in this situation?
- What might be different now?
- Tell me more (okay, not a question)
- Can you talk me through this?
- What are you seeing from your point of view?
As always, stay focused on the purpose. If we remember that we are focused on “the patient” (from my world of biotechnology development) – than there is more than one right way to help improve the quality of care or patient experience.
We are all in this together.
Stream On – My Podcast Pick
HBR IdeaCast – The Power of Curiosity with Francesca Gino
To fit with this month’s theme, I naturally typed “Curiosity Business” into my favorite search engine. When I saw Francesca Gino’s name pop up with the podcast entitled “The Power of Curiosity”, I knew this was my pick.
The Benefit of Curiosity in Business
While we are born with curiosity as children, by the time we are in middle school (in my opinion), it’s usually been scared out of us. Practically no one wants to stand out, especially at this age. From that point on, we struggle to regain the same innocent curiosity.
Gino, a professor at Harvard Business School and behavioral scientist authored the HBR article, The Business Case for Curiosity. She mentions that not everyone is built to be as curious as others in the workplace.
Since curiosity is valuable from an organizational perspective, as leaders, we can help model this behavior (see Humble Inquiry above).
There can be a misconception that curiosity and creativity at work can come at a cost of reduced efficiency and productivity. One does not have to come at the cost of the other – they can co-exist. One way to build safety in the opportunity for teams to be more creative is to consider the “Yes, and” idea from Improv comedy. It allows others to add ideas and context rather than diminishing other ideas (very similar to brainstorming — no idea is bad during this phase).
As leaders, we can help build this intellectual humility (the perspective of always learning) in our teams and leaders by modeling this behavior or suggesting the “yes, and” activity during brainstorming.
Let’s Be Clear
While some opportunities allow for curiosity, there are other times that require decision making. These two mindsets can and should exist together. In Gino’s HBR article, she lists five ways to bolster curiosity in the workplace:
- Hire for CuriosityModel Inquisitiveness (Model asking curious questions)
- Emphasize Learning Goals (provide time & budget)
- Let Employees Explore Interests (provide time & budget)
- Have “Why?”, “What if…?” and “How might we…?” Days
How might you model curiosity in your next staff meeting? In your next leadership meeting? With your family?
<Note to self, ask more questions, give less advice with adult children>
Mindful Moments
What is Mindfulness Meditation by Kendra Cherry
As we start the new year, here is reminder for us to be mindful and practice self-care to start off on the right cadence. Daily mindfulness meditation can be helpful.
Kendra Cherry takes us through the benefits in her article, What is Mindfulness Meditation. Mindfulness meditation is a mental training practice that helps us slow down our busy minds. It allows us to let go of negative thoughts and calm our nervous systems. It can take as little as 3-5 minutes and requires nothing more than deep breathing and awareness.
How to Meditate Mindfully
Cherry recommends the following:
- Get comfortable – sit with your back, head and neck in alignment comfortably
- Set a timer – during meditation we can lose track of time (start with 5 minutes, work up to 10-15 minutes)
- Focus on breathing – follow the breath in and out of your nose.
- Notice your thoughts – the goal is to be the “witness” of our thoughts, not stop them – realize the thought and let it go like a cloud of balloon
- Give yourself a break – if your mind wanders, acknowledge it, let it go, and return to your focus on the breathing
- Apps are available for guided meditation
Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation
Regular practice is the key to experience the true benefits. Many people experience reduced stress, lower heart rate, improved immunity and better sleep. I’ve found it helps create better focus for me during longer meetings.
To find a way to build meditation into busy routines, please see the article How to Fit Meditation Into Your Day
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Welcome to 2023 — here’s hoping for a successful, peaceful and
healthy year for you!
With warm regards, Kathleen