How to foster curiosity in your role
Understanding how to think beyond our day-to-day tasks is essential for growth. One fundamental way to nurture this mentality is by fostering curiosity in your role: exploring the job more deeply, discovering where new challenges may lie and uncovering creative solutions for the tasks you face regularly.
Curiosity is a valuable trait in any professional setting. It drives learning, innovation, and growth and can lead to new opportunities and experiences. As an Assistant, being curious can help you excel in your role and showcase your talents and skills. In this article, we will explore how you can cultivate curiosity in your job and leverage it to your advantage.
Follow your passions
When it comes to curiosity, it’s essential to focus on areas that genuinely interest you. Identify your passions and strengths, and look for opportunities within your role or organisation that align with them. For example, if you are interested in sustainability, you can explore ways to contribute to sustainable initiatives or projects at your workplace. By pursuing areas of genuine interest, you are more likely to stay engaged and motivated, which can enhance your performance and impact.
Seek out extracurricular activities
In addition to your core responsibilities, look for extracurricular activities or projects that allow you to expand your horizons and learn new skills. These could include volunteering for cross-functional teams, participating in mentorship programs, or attending workshops and training sessions. By taking on these additional opportunities, you not only broaden your skill set but also demonstrate your willingness to go above and beyond, which can be noticed and appreciated by your colleagues and Executives.
Shadow other departments
If you are interested in a different department or function within your organisation, consider shadowing someone from that team or requesting informational interviews to learn more about their work. This can provide valuable insights into different roles and responsibilities, help you understand how different parts of the organisation work together, and potentially open up new career paths for you. Taking the initiative to learn about other areas of your organisation can showcase your curiosity and proactive approach to learning.
Practice crucial conversations
As you become more curious and seek out new opportunities, you may encounter situations where you need to have difficult conversations with your colleagues or managers. These conversations could be about taking on more responsibilities, expressing your opinions, or addressing issues or concerns. To make these conversations more effective, it’s crucial to focus on the issue rather than the person, lead with the truth, and be authentic.
Take the time to collect your thoughts, practice what you want to say, and choose a non-confrontational and non-emotional language. By being prepared and professional in these conversations, you can assert yourself, communicate effectively, and build a reputation as someone willing to take initiative and express their opinions.
Upskill using available resources
If you identify gaps in your skill set or areas you would like to improve, look for resources within your organisation to help you upskill. This could include online courses, workshops, or training sessions offered by your company. Taking the initiative to improve your skills and knowledge can demonstrate your curiosity and commitment to professional growth.
Cultivating curiosity in your role as an Assistant can lead to personal and professional development, increased engagement and motivation, and new opportunities. Embrace curiosity as a mindset and approach that can drive your success in your current role and beyond. If you would like to learn more about how to foster curiosity in your role, check out The Assistant Mindset Online Course, we cover all of the critical strengths Assistants need to build a successful career.
