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

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Manage episode 482858391 series 2436182
Content provided by Innovation and Modern Marketing and Modern Marketing. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Innovation and Modern Marketing and Modern Marketing or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://staging.podcastplayer.com/legal.

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 aiming to cultivate curiosity: mindset, operational excellence, and culture. The initial step involves transitioning from a fixed mindset to a growth-oriented one, encouraging individuals to envision possibilities beyond current limitations. Next, it entails regularly questioning existing processes and seeking opportunities for improvement. Ultimately, it's about fostering an environment where every member is empowered to drive innovation and positive change.

Curiosity as Kryptonite: When Curiosity Goes Wrong

Even the most potent strengths have their limitations. Jon recounted an instance where his eagerness to instigate change met with resistance. This serves as a reminder that curiosity, like any virtue, requires judicious management. Self-awareness is paramount. Individuals must reflect on their actions and assess their contribution to the overall dynamic. Sometimes, the most insightful question is, "How am I impeding progress?"

Practical Tools for Cultivating Curiosity

Jon offered practical tools for nurturing curiosity in everyday life. These included improv exercises, which encourage building upon ideas without dismissing them, and the 80/20 rule, where companies like Google and 3M allow employees to dedicate a portion of their time to passion projects. Even simple actions, such as brushing teeth with the non-dominant hand, can stimulate the brain and foster creativity. The key is to disrupt routines and explore new avenues of thought.

Conclusion

The discussion between Jürgen and Jon illuminated the transformative potential of curiosity. By embracing childlike wonder, posing insightful questions, and nurturing a culture of inquiry, individuals and organizations can unlock innovation and drive meaningful progress. As Jon aptly demonstrated, curiosity isn't just a trait; it's a superpower waiting to be unleashed.

The Buzz - Our Innovation Round

Here are Jon's answers to the questions of our innovation round. Listen to the conversation to get the full scoop.

* No. 1 thing to be more innovative – Ask good questions and challenge the status quo.

* Best thing for new ideas – Constantly look at what you're doing, how you're doing it, and why you're doing it a certain way.

* Favourite resource – Chat GPT.

* Keep project/client on track – Regular communication and KPIs.

* Differentiate – Find out what your secret sauce is, what your skills are, what you bring to the table that's just different, unique, and find ways to help improve other people through that.

Action

Find ways to be curious. Find ways to look beyond your current situations and your limitations and explore whether in your personal life, your professional life, in the job you have, whatever it may be. Just begin to just take small ways to question and look at things differently to see how you can expand and grow them.

Reach Out

You can reach out and thank Jon at his websites. If you're in the US, you can text the word "chapter" to 33777 for a free PDF copy of the first chapter of Jon's book.

Links:

* Website - Jon Bassford

* Website - Think Lateral

* LinkedIn

* Facebook

* Twitter - @Jon_Bassford

* Instagram - @Jon_Bassford

Books

* The Curious Leader, Jon Bassford

Cool Things About Jon

* Curiosity as a Superpower - Jon’s ability to frame curiosity as a superpower is not only unique but also inspiring.

* Mission to Visit All 50 U.S. States - Jon’s personal goal of visiting all 50 U.S. states (having already visited 43) is a fun and adventurous aspect of his personality.

* From Law School to Operations - Jon’s unconventional career path—from law school to becoming an operations expert—demonstrates his willingness to challenge expectations and follow his passions.

* Passion for Leadership and Helping Others Grow - Jon’s enthusiasm for leadership and mentoring young leaders is a standout quality.

* Upcoming TEDx Talk and Book Launch - The combination of releasing a book (The Curious Leader) and preparing for a TEDx talk makes Jon’s current journey exciting and dynamic.

Ready to humanize your marketing? Listen to the full episode for more stories, practical tips, and a fresh perspective on what it means to truly serve your customers.

Imagine being a part of a select community where you not only have access to our amazing podcast guests, but you also get a chance to transform your marketing and podcast into a growth engine with a human-centered, relationship-focused approach.

That’s exactly what you’ll get when you join the Flywheel Nation Community.

Tap into the collective wisdom of high-impact achievers, gain exclusive access to resources, and expand your network in our vibrant community.

Experience accelerated growth, breakthrough insights, and powerful connections to elevate your business.

ACT NOW – secure your spot and transform your journey today! Visit innovabiz.co/flywheel and get ready to experience the power of transformation.

Video


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit innovabiz.substack.com/subscribe
  continue reading

211 episodes

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iconShare
 
Manage episode 482858391 series 2436182
Content provided by Innovation and Modern Marketing and Modern Marketing. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Innovation and Modern Marketing and Modern Marketing or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://staging.podcastplayer.com/legal.

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 aiming to cultivate curiosity: mindset, operational excellence, and culture. The initial step involves transitioning from a fixed mindset to a growth-oriented one, encouraging individuals to envision possibilities beyond current limitations. Next, it entails regularly questioning existing processes and seeking opportunities for improvement. Ultimately, it's about fostering an environment where every member is empowered to drive innovation and positive change.

Curiosity as Kryptonite: When Curiosity Goes Wrong

Even the most potent strengths have their limitations. Jon recounted an instance where his eagerness to instigate change met with resistance. This serves as a reminder that curiosity, like any virtue, requires judicious management. Self-awareness is paramount. Individuals must reflect on their actions and assess their contribution to the overall dynamic. Sometimes, the most insightful question is, "How am I impeding progress?"

Practical Tools for Cultivating Curiosity

Jon offered practical tools for nurturing curiosity in everyday life. These included improv exercises, which encourage building upon ideas without dismissing them, and the 80/20 rule, where companies like Google and 3M allow employees to dedicate a portion of their time to passion projects. Even simple actions, such as brushing teeth with the non-dominant hand, can stimulate the brain and foster creativity. The key is to disrupt routines and explore new avenues of thought.

Conclusion

The discussion between Jürgen and Jon illuminated the transformative potential of curiosity. By embracing childlike wonder, posing insightful questions, and nurturing a culture of inquiry, individuals and organizations can unlock innovation and drive meaningful progress. As Jon aptly demonstrated, curiosity isn't just a trait; it's a superpower waiting to be unleashed.

The Buzz - Our Innovation Round

Here are Jon's answers to the questions of our innovation round. Listen to the conversation to get the full scoop.

* No. 1 thing to be more innovative – Ask good questions and challenge the status quo.

* Best thing for new ideas – Constantly look at what you're doing, how you're doing it, and why you're doing it a certain way.

* Favourite resource – Chat GPT.

* Keep project/client on track – Regular communication and KPIs.

* Differentiate – Find out what your secret sauce is, what your skills are, what you bring to the table that's just different, unique, and find ways to help improve other people through that.

Action

Find ways to be curious. Find ways to look beyond your current situations and your limitations and explore whether in your personal life, your professional life, in the job you have, whatever it may be. Just begin to just take small ways to question and look at things differently to see how you can expand and grow them.

Reach Out

You can reach out and thank Jon at his websites. If you're in the US, you can text the word "chapter" to 33777 for a free PDF copy of the first chapter of Jon's book.

Links:

* Website - Jon Bassford

* Website - Think Lateral

* LinkedIn

* Facebook

* Twitter - @Jon_Bassford

* Instagram - @Jon_Bassford

Books

* The Curious Leader, Jon Bassford

Cool Things About Jon

* Curiosity as a Superpower - Jon’s ability to frame curiosity as a superpower is not only unique but also inspiring.

* Mission to Visit All 50 U.S. States - Jon’s personal goal of visiting all 50 U.S. states (having already visited 43) is a fun and adventurous aspect of his personality.

* From Law School to Operations - Jon’s unconventional career path—from law school to becoming an operations expert—demonstrates his willingness to challenge expectations and follow his passions.

* Passion for Leadership and Helping Others Grow - Jon’s enthusiasm for leadership and mentoring young leaders is a standout quality.

* Upcoming TEDx Talk and Book Launch - The combination of releasing a book (The Curious Leader) and preparing for a TEDx talk makes Jon’s current journey exciting and dynamic.

Ready to humanize your marketing? Listen to the full episode for more stories, practical tips, and a fresh perspective on what it means to truly serve your customers.

Imagine being a part of a select community where you not only have access to our amazing podcast guests, but you also get a chance to transform your marketing and podcast into a growth engine with a human-centered, relationship-focused approach.

That’s exactly what you’ll get when you join the Flywheel Nation Community.

Tap into the collective wisdom of high-impact achievers, gain exclusive access to resources, and expand your network in our vibrant community.

Experience accelerated growth, breakthrough insights, and powerful connections to elevate your business.

ACT NOW – secure your spot and transform your journey today! Visit innovabiz.co/flywheel and get ready to experience the power of transformation.

Video


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit innovabiz.substack.com/subscribe
  continue reading

211 episodes

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