Did you know that when you lead from curiosity, your brain’s reward system activates, releasing dopamine, the same neurochemical that fuels motivation and anticipation? This “feel-good” state signals the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for forming and storing memories, to fire on all cylinders. 

Over time, it also strengthens neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to rewire itself, a critical asset for navigating rapid change, disruption, and complexity.

When we approach a conversation with genuine curiosity, we not only trigger dopamine and activate our hippocampus, we also naturally slow down, listen more deeply, and stay fully engaged with the other person. Curiosity shifts our focus from simply responding to truly understanding.

Curiosity isn’t just nice to have. It’s the superpower that keeps you present, deepens trust, and transforms every conversation you lead. In a world where leaders are told to be decisive, strategic, and results-driven, neuroscience reveals that curiosity may be the very skill that unlocks all the rest.

Leading with curiosity creates the kind of presence that is not only critical, it’s transformative. So, how can we tap into this superpower and lead with more presence, adaptability, and impact?

Here are 3 key practices with questions you can self-reflect and ask your team:

1.  When you find yourself judging another or an idea, pause and consider: “If I got more curious about this situation or person, what question could I ask?”

We are human judging machines. When a person or idea doesn’t align with our values, beliefs, or experiences, we often judge it. The moment we do, we discount the person or idea, shutting them down, impacting engagement and performance. The next time you notice judgment toward another, their idea, or even yourself, stop and get curious. If you were genuinely curious, what new question could you ask instead? (TIP: Questions that start with “What” or “How” open dialogue and signal genuine interest.) 

For example:

• “What might I be missing here?”

  • “How might this look from your perspective?”

  • “What’s most important to you about this?”

When you respond from curiosity instead of judgment, you shift your attention from yourself to the other. From that place, trust and engagement rise.

2.  When you experience a mistake or failure, ask:

“What’s the learning in this? How can you apply that learning in the future?”

Mistakes and failures trigger the brain’s threat response, which can shut down creativity and problem-solving. Curiosity interrupts that spiral. By asking what can be learned and how it can be applied, you shift the focus from blame to growth. This keeps the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for reasoning and planning engaged and reinforces a culture where experimentation and learning are valued. When leaders model this, they send a clear message: setbacks are not the end of the story; they are steppingstones to innovation and resilience.

3. When someone brings you a concern or issue, pause and ask:

“Can you tell me more?” or “Can you say more?” or “Can you help me understand?”

When someone comes to you with a concern or issue, how often do you jump straight to a solution? Or, if it lands on top of other priorities you’re juggling, you might get frustrated and react with emotion. Welcome to being human! While this is common, it rarely empowers the other. What if, instead, you responded from a place of curiosity and asked one of these three “Compassion Questions” I teach in my Renaissance Leadership Programs: Can you tell me more? Can you say more? Can you help me understand?

When people feel truly heard, it lowers their threat response and increases openness, making it easier to share concerns, challenges, and solutions. Practice responding with one of these compassion questions and notice how it invites deeper dialogue, uncovers hidden insights, and strengthens trust.

Curiosity in Action:

Curiosity is more than an admirable trait. It’s a leader’s untapped superpower. It fuels learning, builds connection, and transforms the way we navigate challenges and conversations.

When you find yourself judging another or their idea, experiencing a mistake or failure, or addressing an issue, ask the specific questions above. Then pause and listen with curiosity.

The more you practice responding from curiosity, the more you’ll notice shifts in yourself, in your relationships, and in the culture you create. In the Age of AI and constant change, curiosity isn’t just how we learn; it’s how we lead.

Guest Post by Jean Marie Digiovanna

About the author

Jean Marie Digiovanna is an International Keynote Speaker, Certified Executive Coach and Author of “Stop Talking – Start Asking.”  For three decades she has worked with hundreds of teams and their leaders across the globe to master communication and increase employee engagement using the power of questions.  You can connect with Jean Marie @ jean@workshopuniversity.com