Knowledge is power. Or is it?

by | Jun 10, 2014 | Monthly-ish tips

This post is the first of our Weekly Tips series.

Knowledge is power. Or is it?

Conventional wisdom suggests that knowledge is power—it’s something to be emphasized, coveted, wielded. At The Get Real Project, we don’t see it that way. We believe curiosity is king.


A state of curiosity is intrinsically other-focused. Its purpose is discovery.

If you are constantly curious about your clients, your colleagues, and even your competitors, then you are always poised to learn, to create connection, and to positively influence others.

Bonus: making it real

This week, sit down and define a list of things you wish you knew about a particular stakeholder who’s important to you.

Start each item on your list with two words: “I wonder …” Allow yourself to wonder about things you might never dare ask about. Just wonder for now.

Planning for curiosity leads you to spend some time getting interested in other people; acting on curiosity allows you to engage with them. That sequence dramatically improves your relationships, in a virtuous circle.

Learn more

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Andrea Howe

As the founder of The Get Real Project, I am the steward of our vision and our service offerings, as well as a workshop leader and keynote speaker. Above all else, I am an entrepreneur on a mission: to kick conventional business wisdom to the curb and transform how people work together as a result. I am also the co-author, with Charles H. Green, of The Trusted Advisor Fieldbook (Wiley, 2012).

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