Jon Bassford, Curiosity Unleashed: Leading with Questions, Not Answers - Innova.Buzz 668

Our guest in this episode is Jon Bassford, a curiosity-driven leader, consultant, and author who helps organizations unlock innovation by asking better questions. Jon’s journey is a story of challenging the status quo, rediscovering the power of curiosity, and empowering others to do the same. In his conversation with Jürgen, Jon shares practical tools, candid stories, and a contagious enthusiasm for making curiosity a daily habit.

Key points discussed include:

* Curiosity is a superpower that drives innovation, growth, and operational excellence in both individuals and organizations.

* Building a culture of psychological safety and open questioning empowers teams to experiment, learn, and contribute their best ideas.

* Practical tools—like improv exercises and breaking daily routines—can help anyone reignite their curiosity and creative thinking.

Listen to the podcast to find out more.

Show Notes from this episode with Jon Bassford, Lateral Solutions

Unleashing Your Inner Innovator: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Leadership

In a recent episode of the InnovaBuzz podcast, host Jürgen engaged in a thought-provoking conversation with Jon Bassford, the founder and CEO of Lateral Solutions, and the author of "The Curious Leader." Jon specializes in helping organizations innovate, change, and grow by adopting a curiosity-driven leadership. The discussion revealed how cultivating curiosity can unlock transformative potential in both personal and professional spheres.

The Power of Curiosity: Jon's Journey

Jon's journey is a testament to the power of innate curiosity. He realized that his life has always been driven by a desire to challenge the status quo and improve existing systems. This internal drive has shaped his career, leading him to assist organizations in achieving operational excellence and driving intended results efficiently and effectively. It's not merely about making minor adjustments; it's about fundamentally questioning the rationale behind established practices.

Reclaiming Your Inner Child: Rediscovering Curiosity

Jürgen and Jon explored how the innate curiosity of childhood often diminishes as individuals mature. Jon noted that by the age of 35, a significant portion of our habits and thoughts are programmed. However, he emphasized that it's never too late to reignite that inner child. He suggests implementing mechanisms within our lives and teams to consistently question the validity of our actions and explore potential improvements. It involves consciously challenging ingrained habits and embracing a mindset of continuous inquiry.

The Art of Asking Questions: Solving Problems with Curiosity

Jon shared a key insight: effective problem-solving hinges not on possessing all the answers, but on posing the right questions. He referenced an exercise from his "Curious Leader" workshop, where teams tackle challenges solely through inquiry. The transformative moment occurs when a well-formulated question sparks a breakthrough. This underscores the notion that expertise isn't a prerequisite for progress; rather, it's the willingness to explore through questioning.

Building a Curious Culture: Fostering Innovation in Your Organization

The conversation shifted to creating environments where questions are encouraged and experimentation is embraced. Jon stressed the importance of psychological safety, which begins with leaders understanding their team members on a personal level. Instead of dictating opinions, leaders should prioritize valuing the perspectives of their team. This fosters a culture of open communication and collaborative innovation.

The Three Shifts: Mindset, Operations, and Culture

Jon outlined three essential shifts for leaders ai