The Truth Is - Curiosity is Uncommon

Welcome back to the 15th issue of Disrupting Conversations!

Chances are you’re not as curious as you think. To be curious takes mindfulness.

If I go in front of an audience of a thousand people and ask, “how many of you are curious-minded?” 998 hands will shoot up, and the same number of hands would be raised if I asked about being self-aware. The truth is that neither are common.

I’ve found that very few people are curious, because more often than not, there’s an innate human tendency to attach to a specific conversation outcome. Did we have the chance to speak our truth, share our experiences, defend our perspective, or influence what we want?

In this issue, I’m going to dissect and share how to become more curious, and how it builds trust. Think of curiosity as a gift you can give others.

🎙 If you haven't had a chance to tune in yet, listen to our podcast episode on curiosity. Join me and Kristie as we explore the strong link between trust and curiosity in the sales process.

Enjoy this issue, and if you have questions or feedback, don't hesitate to reach out right here.

–Dan 

Breaking Sales is my podcast to connect with those who are ready to break free from the chains of old sales methodologies that don’t work.

🎙 Curiosity That Differentiates

My exploration of curiosity begins with a conversation between me and Kristie on the Breaking Sales podcast.

In this episode, we discuss the tight relationship between trust and curiosity, and how curiosity will outperform competency 80% of the time with your prospects.

Want to learn more?

Listen in to our insightful conversation, and be sure to subscribe to hear more from the Breaking Sales podcast.

Give The Gift of Curiosity This Holiday Season

The holidays are approaching, and with that, many of us will find ourselves at a dinner table or holiday party surrounded by friends and family who might have strong opinions.

These hardened views are often devoid of any sense of objectivity, leaving us feeling agitated or even offended.

Here’s my gift to you: a simple lesson and reminder about the power of curiosity.

Curiosity has a few layers, but it begins and ends with mindset. It’s first and foremost an ability to listen without judging something as good or bad.

When you judge something as bad, for example, you can become agitated. Proving your point becomes more important than learning why the other person feels the way they do. On the other hand, when you label something as good, you become content, and you’re going to ask fewer questions.

Curiosity is the ability to listen to another person without wanting a predetermined result.

To be curious you have to accept the fact that you can’t control the opinions or reactions of another person. The only thing you can control is you.

Seeking to understand another builds trust. This doesn’t mean you have to agree. In fact, accept the fact that you don’t need them to agree with you either.

The next time someone says something you don’t agree with, don’t jump to refute or prove different. Slow down and:

• Let go of needing to disprove

• Remind yourself that you can’t control how anyone else can think, react, or respond

• Detach from being right or wrong

• Seek to understand without judging

This is what it means to be curious.

Trust naturally follows because the other person sees that you took the time to understand them. It’s human nature to want to be heard.

And remember: you’re secure in your own opinions and beliefs. You don’t need acceptance or validation from another person.

As you get ready for the holidays, being genuinely curious with your family and friends can be one of the greatest gifts you can give. (But don’t forget that there will always be that one stubborn relative who can be unrelenting, so you may need to double down on your detachment!)  

Embrace curiosity, build trust

Being curious is a deliberate commitment to engage with someone else's story. By embracing this tool, you can foster genuine understanding and establish the roots of authentic connections.

Thanks for reading and… Happy Holidays!

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