Lesson 5: The Importance of Curiosity in Life and Business Success

Curiosity isn’t just a trait; it’s a transformative force that profoundly shapes both personal fulfillment and professional success. In my nearly two decades with Silvester & Company, I’ve seen firsthand how curiosity can deepen relationships, heal differences, improve understanding, fuel success, and create meaningful and fulfilling experiences.

Our founder, Margo, championed the principle of “Be Curious,” a value so core to our culture that it influences our hiring, partnerships, client relationships, and candidate evaluations. In this installment of our Founder Lessons & Legacy series, we will explore how curiosity can not only enhance your effectiveness in a professional setting, but also enrich your life.

“Be Curious, Not Judgmental” – Walt Whitman

This quote, famously rejuvenated by Ted Lasso – a character Margo would have adored – captures the essence of Margo’s approach to life and business. It’s a sentiment that encourages us to look beyond the surface, to learn more about others before making judgments.

Margo was a leader who exemplified curiosity, bordering on wonder. She was an avid explorer and traveler. From the simple exploration outside her mountain home, to visiting more than 30 countries in her lifetime – Margo was endlessly fascinated by people, animals, culture, and the world around us. I remember listening to her passionately describe an encounter with a tiny seahorse, smaller than her pinky finger, during a dive trip in Indonesia. Margo and my father-in-law had spotted this tiny creature and then spent an entire dive admiring and studying it. Something so small would go unnoticed by most people, let alone capture their attention for nearly an hour. Margo wanted to know everything she could about this tiny creature and its role in the ocean ecosystem.

When traveling, Margo sought authentic experiences, preferring the path less traveled over tourist spots. She wanted to experience culture through the eyes of those who lived it, whether it was sampling local cuisine, volunteering, or participating in traditional customs.

Margo was also an avid reader, devouring books across all genres. She loved business and leadership books, but she was equally captivated by a beautifully written historical fiction novel, biographies, or a gripping mystery. For Margo, reading was more than just a pastime; it was a way to explore new ideas and challenge her own perspectives.

Her diverse circle of friends and colleagues included artists, accountants, chefs, business leaders, national park guides, and stay-at-home parents. This eclectic mix was no accident; Margo believed that everyone had something valuable to offer, something new to teach her. Each person’s unique experiences and viewpoints enriched her understanding and appreciation of the world.

Her inquisitive nature permeated her professional life, too. Margo approached every interaction, every challenge, with a unique blend of curiosity and critical thinking. She asked questions—incessantly. Not just any questions, but ones that opened doors to deeper understanding. This trait made her an outstanding advisor and talent scout. She never took the straightforward path or jumped to conclusions. Instead, she explored each candidate’s potential by understanding their unique stories and skills, always with an open mind and without preconceived notions.

Cultivating Curiosity: Practical Tips Margo May Have Suggested

As with most skills, curiosity is like a muscle that is strengthened with use. Below are a few tips, using Margo as inspiration, that will help improve your own curiosity:

• Ask More Questions: Cultivate the habit of asking questions about everything. Whether it’s a project at work, a new skill, or an unfamiliar topic, ask detailed questions. Don’t just settle for superficial answers—dig deeper to understand the “why” and “how,” not just the “what.”
• Diversify Your Experiences: Like Margo, immerse yourself in diverse environments. Travel, read broadly—from business articles to historical novels—and engage with people from various backgrounds. Each new experience is an opportunity to learn something that can change how you view the world and approach problems.
• Challenge Your Assumptions: Make it a practice to question your pre-existing beliefs. When presented with information that contradicts your assumptions, rather than dismissing it, explore it. This can lead to new insights and ideas, enhancing your ability to make decisions and solve problems.
• Embrace the Unknown: Stepping out of your comfort zone can be daunting, but unfamiliar situations are rich with possibilities. Approach new experiences with enthusiasm rather than fear, and see what lessons they have to offer.
• Listen Actively: When interacting with others, listen more than you speak. Pay attention to not just the words but the emotions and thoughts behind them. Active listening can reveal underlying issues and motivations that can be crucial for effective communication and relationship building.

In conclusion, embracing curiosity can lead to a richer, more successful life and career. It opens doors to new possibilities and fosters a deeper understanding of the world and the people in it. Let’s be more like Margo. Let’s ask more questions, read widely, think deeply, and most importantly, remain endlessly curious about everything around us. This, I believe, is a critical ingredient to a fulfilling and successful life.