Three Distinctions for More Impactful Leadership

Image Credit: Koen Emmers, Unsplash

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Curiosity < Inquistiveness

Curiosity is about wondering. Inquisitiveness is about the action you take because of the wondering.

Curiosity = I wonder what’s going on for this person?

Inquisitiveness = Asking “what’s going on for you?”

Curiosity creates the itch to want to know more. Inquisitiveness is scratching that itch.

Curiosity by itself isn’t enough. You need to be inquisitive.

Knowledge < Wisdom

“Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.” (Anon.)

Knowledge answers the 'what' and 'how'. Wisdom answers the 'when,' 'why,' and 'should.' 

You can learn knowledge. You have to earn wisdom.

Wisdom helps us navigate complex, unpredictable situations with grace and flexibility. In uncharted territory, in uncertain times, wisdom serves where knowledge can’t.

Knowledge by itself isn’t enough. You need to cultivate wisdom.

Hero-ing < Hosting

Hero-ing is about having the answers. Hosting is about having the questions.

Heroes rescue. Hosts grow.

Hero leadership relies on subject-matter expertise. Host-leadership relies on human expertise: how you and others tick (and how to bring out the best in all of us).

Host-leadership empowers others, fosters innovation, builds resilience, creates sustainable solutions, and enhances engagement way more than hero-leadership ever could.

Choose hosting over hero-ing.