Curiosity

Unleash your inner curiosity to experience a new world of meaning and opportunity

Curiosity: The Secret Ingredient for Success in Personal and Professional Growth describes the ins and outs of curiosity: what it is, how it works and what it does; how it influences success for individuals and organisations, why it is hard to maintain over time and how we – and our organisations - can get (even) better at it. The book is a practical guide for professionals to help them become aware of and take intentional action towards being more curious towards the world, others and even themselves.

With curiosity gaining traction in the business world as a new paradigm for being, relating and leading for the 21st century, Stefaan van Hooydonk’s deep dive into the very concept of curiosity has never been more timely. In this book, readers will learn about:

● Why curiosity is magical and complex—and far more than a simple one-dimensional word

● How curiosity drives innovation, continuous improvement, and employee engagement all at once

● The science of curiosity, drawing on insights from data and the latest research on this topic

A highly unique resource on one of the most influential concepts in business success and beyond, Curiosity earns a well-deserved spot on the bookshelves of professionals young and old, as well as HR, learning professionals, managers, and all individuals seeking to be a little more curious and unlock a new world of meaning and opportunity.

Acknowledgements vii

About the Author xi

Introduction xv

Part 1 the Why and the What Of Curiosity 1

1 The Business Case for Curiosity 3

2 Neuroscience and Curiosity 23

Part 2 the Success Formula of Curiosity 41

3 Permission 43

4 Awareness 61

5 Intentionality 81

Part 3 THE Three DIMENSIONS Of Curiosity 99

6 Curiosity About the World Around Us 101

7 Curiosity About Others 117

8 Curiosity About Self 135

Part 4 Applying Curiosity 157

9 “Why Don’t We Milk Pigs” or: The Power of Better Questions 159

10 Leadership and Curiosity 179

11 Alchemy and AI 203

12 Curiosity and Corporate Culture 223

13 Curiosity and the Planet 243

14 Putting It All Together 259

Index 271

Embrace your inner curiosity to experience a new world of opportunity.

Curiosity is a powerful driver for achievement and performance. Unfortunately, it tends to wane over time. Is there a way to maintain “peak curiosity” over a long time?

There is. You can significantly increase your curiosity about the world, others, and yourself.

With expert guidance from veteran Chief Learning Officer and founder of the Global Curiosity Institute Stefaan van Hooydonk, Curiosity: The Secret Ingredient for Success in Personal and Professional Growth shows you exactly what curiosity is, how it works, what it does, and—most importantly—how to keep it at a high level. You’ll learn to take intentional action to maintain your curiosity and consistently achieve at a level you didn’t think possible.

• Understand the magical and complex concept of curiosity
• Use curiosity to maximise your individual learning and professional growth
• Utilise curiosity to continuously improve at work and in life
• Explore applications of curiosity with practical strategies
• Learn the science of curiosity with the latest research and data

You can improve your performance and accelerate your achievements within every aspect of your life. Curiosity is an extraordinary book for everyone interested in finding a new world of meaning and opportunity.