The Power Of Leaning Into Curiosity In Leadership With Dr. James Smith Jr.

Spirituality in Leadership

Dr. James Smith Jr. is all about people; developing, empowering, energizing, motivating people. In our conversation, he shares some of his personal story with his typical upbeat, energizing and practical style. He talks about some of his experiences with his son as a teacher and some of the shifts he needed to make in himself, relying upon what he called his spiritual foundation. James shares the importance of listening. He shares a beautiful story of learning across cultures and the opportunities that can happen from being open to asking questions, using the power of curiosity. He often talks about "possibility thinking," as well as how vulnerability and authenticity are required of leaders in today's workplace.

As he says, leaders might get dirty leaning into this kind of listening, but leadership is not a beauty contest. We need to do it. Leadership is about inviting powerful conversations, and that means leaders need to let go of the need to be “right” and focus on being curious. He uses a beautiful metaphor about understanding what parts of ourselves are in our front seat, backseat and trunk as if our consciousness were a vehicle. The best leaders, he says, are the ones who are able to slide into the front seat with us to connect and build trust, which is in large part earned by sharing their own stories.

James reminds us that seeking a deep understanding of another with the intention of connecting and supporting is, in fact, a spiritual practice. And each such meaningful conversation creates safety. He also reminds us that we "make deposits" with each positive conversation with openness and curiosity. Finally, he encourages everyone to do what scares them the most, to jump every day, as a way to live life fully.