Slowing Down. Getting Curious.
July 2025 | Episode 004
What if curiosity is the leadership edge you’ve been missing?
Have you ever noticed how summer has a way of slowing us down, just enough to pay closer attention?
We pause. We travel. We sit a little longer with our morning coffee. And in those moments of stillness, a powerful leadership tool begins to emerge:
Curiosity.
Not just the kind we associate with research labs or boardroom innovation, but the kind we first knew as children. That wide-eyed wonder. That relentless “why?”
Curiosity creates the space to step away from the fight-or-flight pressures of our busy workdays, letting us enter a relaxed state where our brains (this incredible organ!) can synthesize new insights.
It also invites us to listen more deeply, respond more thoughtfully, and lead with presence instead of pressure. It’s foundational to emotional intelligence, helping us explore what’s under the surface: our own habits, the people we lead, and the dynamics we navigate.
More importantly, curiosity is one of the key underpinnings of empathy. It fuels active listening, where we don’t just hear words but reflect back what we understand and ask further questions. This process exercises our empathy muscle and deepens our connection with others.
It’s what allows us to ask not just “What happened?” but “What else could be true?”
And that mindset changes everything.
What we’re seeing in teams and organizations:
Curiosity mentions in job posts are up 90% (SAS).
83% of top execs say curiosity drives positive change (HBR).
75% of managers say curious employees perform better (SAS).
Curiosity sparks creativity, teamwork, and less conflict.
Without curiosity?
We assume. We rush. We lead with certainty in moments that require nuance. And we risk closing off psychological safety, that critical foundation where people feel safe to ask questions, express vulnerability, and share new ideas.
When psychological safety is missing, curiosity fades, and with it, the spark that drives creativity, innovation, and progress.
But with curiosity? We access a whole new level of leadership, rooted in empathy, openness, and intention.
Here are three ways to use summer’s slower pace to build your curiosity muscle:
Get curious about your assumptions.
When something feels “off,” we tend to seek control or clarity. But what if you stayed with the question a little longer?
Try it: Next time you feel stuck in a situation or relationship, pause and ask: What story am I telling myself? What else could be true?
Use your time off to notice, not just unwind.
Stepping away from the day-to-day gives you the chance to see patterns more clearly.
Try it: Whether you’re traveling or taking a quiet weekend at home, reflect at the end of the day: What surprised me today? What did I learn about myself or others?
Bring curiosity into your conversations.
Genuine curiosity builds trust faster than any title ever could.
Try it: Ask a colleague, friend, or family member: What’s something you’ve been thinking about lately but haven’t said out loud? Then just listen.
Bite-Sized Wisdom for Big Impact from Our Coaches
Let’s Build Better Leaders, Together.
At McLaughlin Mentoring, we believe leadership starts from the inside out. That’s why we design every coaching engagement and workshop with emotional intelligence at its core.
Curious about EQ and how it can help you lead better? We encourage you to follow that curiosity! Want to explore how to bring this mindset into your next leadership offsite, team summit, or learning session?
Let’s talk. Book a discovery call to connect with us today.
Yours in optimism,
Jillian & Team
McLaughlin Mentoring Inc.