About curiosity as a source for collaboration and diversity

We often discuss collaboration and diversity as separate organisational values. Collaboration appears in methodologies, frameworks, and processes. Diversity manifests in hiring practices, team composition, and research approaches. But perhaps they're not as separate as we treat them. Perhaps they grow from the same root.

Collaboration isn't just about efficiency. At its core, it's an admission that no single perspective can solve a complex problem. When we genuinely collaborate, we're saying: "I wonder what you think about this."

That's curiosity in action.

Similarly, diversity isn't valuable simply as a checkbox. Its value comes from the varied approaches to problem-solving that emerge from different backgrounds and experiences.

The best diversity initiatives aren't about counting representation. Sure they start with affirmative job positions, as it is an important step, but they are actually about cultivating an environment where multiple perspectives can flourish. They're powered by the question: "how might someone else see this?"

Again, that's curiosity at work.

Consider what happens during research. We observe, listen, and ask questions. But why? Because we're curious about how others experience the world. Without curiosity, research becomes mechanical; a performance of methods without genuine interest in the answers.

When collaboration fails, it's rarely because people don't understand the process. It's often because they aren't curious about what others might contribute.

When diversity initiatives fail, it's rarely due to demographics alone. It's often because there is a lack of curiosity about different perspectives.

The most innovative environments I've frequented understood that both collaboration and diversity are expressions of a more fundamental trait: the willingness to question and explore the unfamiliar.

Again, that's curiosity at play.

Perhaps by nurturing curiosity directly, we strengthen both collaboration and diversity at their source.

It's worth trying, anyway.