Upbuild Coaching Bits: Curiosity

Curiosity is the natural human impulse to explore, learn, and understand something we don’t know. It is the antidote to judgment and to the belief that we need to know the answers. Curiosity can be strengthened with practice and can lead to shifts in connection with yourself, others, and the world.

In coaching, we might be curious about the details of the client’s situation, but instead, we direct our curiosity in service of the client. We are curious for the sake of the client’s exploration, learning, and potential action.

For example, if someone wants to build more trust with a coworker, you might get curious about what trust means for them, how would they know if trust is present, and what actions would demonstrate trust. You might also get curious about other relationships in the person’s life where trust is already present.  

Curious coaches (and people) often say:

• I wonder…

• I am curious about…

• What if…

• What does that mean to you?

Coaching application: Make “stay curious” the theme of your next coaching session. Try to use the above phrases as often as possible during the session. Notice the effect on your presence and the client.

Life application: Make “stay curious” the theme of your next conversation with a friend, colleague, or family member. Use the phrases above and note what’s different about the conversation, both in you and the other person.

Relevant Upbuild Content

• [Podcast] The Four Listening Channels and the Power of Curiosity (Apple / Spotify)

• [Article] The Antidote to Envy