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By seeking to understand before casting judgements, you’ll more easily embrace new challenges and conquer self-doubt.
Professor Angela Duckworth from the University of Pennsylvania is an expert in emotional intelligence. She encourages people to “show up curious,” especially in situations that are inherently stressful.
Curiosity is your superpower when stepping into positions of leadership.
When work feels overwhelming and you’re overloaded with responsibilities, shifting from a mindset of judgement to one of curiosity is the cornerstone to success.
Often, when we’re stressed, our knee-jerk reaction is to blame ourselves or others. Like trying to hold a beachball underwater, these feelings tend to rise to the surface if we don’t develop a mindset to replace unhelpful thought patterns.
What if you let yourself be curious about why you’re feeling overwhelmed? What if you allowed yourself to consider what changes in your life – personal or professional – are causing additional stress?
Curiosity is your superpower when dealing with team members, too. Instead of feeling frustrated, ask questions to understand why they’re struggling. Your curiosity can open the door to new solutions.
When we approach leadership from a curious perspective, we start to view leadership not as a role but as a state of being, a mindset that guides you throughout your day.
This mindset shift is vital for all leaders, but learning to ‘flick the switch’ from “doing” to “leading” can be particularly challenging for junior leaders.
Junior leaders have been praised throughout their careers for being proficient ‘doers.’
Picture this: you’re a new leader, eager to excel. Yet, when faced with team members who are struggling, that urge rises to step in and take over. Sound familiar?
This instinct, though well-intentioned, can inadvertently hinder your team’s growth.
It’s natural to want to jump in when we see others struggling. But here’s the kicker: as leaders, we need to take a step back and let them learn.
The shift from being the ‘doer’ to being the one who empowers others doesn’t always come easy. It’s a transition away from ‘action.’
This mindset shift calls for curiosity. If you don’t make this shift, your team won’t improve, and you’ll be buried in your old tasks. You’ll also rob your team members of their autonomy and mastery – two crucial motivators.
Embracing curiosity is the key. Instead of rushing in to take over, ask yourself why a team member may be struggling. Dig deeper to understand their challenges and your own tendency to interfere.
However, there are exceptions. If your team is short-staffed and urgently needs your help, you might need to jump in temporarily.
By ‘flicking the switch’ from action to curiosity, you open the door to your team’s growth and empowerment. Remember, it’s not about doing the task perfectly but empowering your team members to master it.
Curiosity is the enabler that propels your leadership.
If you’re interested in developing your veterinary team further, then consider our Chrysalis program for team leaders.
Chrysalis: Igniting Exceptional Team Leaders
Transform your top talent into highly effective leaders and ignite their lasting impact in your veterinary practice with Chrysalis, a four-day intensive leadership training program that nurtures prospective and current team leaders to reach new professional heights.
During this immersive program, your best and brightest future leaders will learn how to:
Our Chrysalis program runs quarterly with a maximum of 24 participants per group, led by an experienced facilitator and subject matter expert, ensuring a personalised and impactful learning experience.
By nurturing your top talent into highly effective leaders, you are safeguarding the commercial sustainability of your veterinary practice, empowering prospective and current team leaders to become change makers for a healthier team culture.
If you have any questions about Chrysalis and whether it’s right for your veterinary team, please contact Anna Graham (anna.graham@lincolninstitute.com.au). You can also learn more by clicking here.
In Part 2 we venture into the realm of communication, one of the most vital skills in your professional journey to influential leadership in veterinary practice. We’ll also dive beneath the surface to understand the ‘iceberg theory’ and how it can supercharge your team’s effectiveness.
Dr Gary Turnbull is a veterinarian, international speaker, and Director at Lincoln Institute of Veterinary Business. He is widely recognised as a coach, presenter, and facilitator in veterinary leadership, practice management, and business strategy. With a strong interest in personal leadership, interpersonal communication, and non-clinical professional mastery, Gary has presented extensively across Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and the United States. Gary joined Lincoln Institute in 2014 and the following year delivered the AVBA ‘On The Move’ series, ‘Leading Change in Your Practice.’ He also developed the internationally delivered Goldmine Veterinary Dental Program. Across a 20-year clinical career, Gary worked as a companion animal veterinarian and Director of East Port Veterinary Hospital, a multiple award-winning ASVA Accredited Hospital of Excellence on the mid-north coast of New South Wales. He graduated with first-class honours from the University of Sydney. Today, Gary focuses on educating and empowering veterinary business owners and professionals to take charge of their practices, careers, and lives through the programs delivered by Lincoln. When he’s not working, Gary can usually be found near the ocean searching for the perfect wave.
Connect with Dr Gary:
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