“Leadership is not just about having the answers; it’s about asking the right questions,” says Rebecca Kirstein Resch, CEO of Inqli.
In today’s complex leadership landscape, Kirstein Resch’s viewpoint should be considered. Echoing the philosophy of Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, the transition from organizations being ‘know-it-alls’ to ‘learn-it-alls’ could solve many of today’s cultural challenges.
Questions, it seems, might be the antidote we’ve been searching for.
In a world increasingly characterized by rapid change and uncertainty, perhaps it’s time leaders prioritize creating cultures rich in curiosity, connection, and well-being alongside their pursuit of productivity and results. This shift could represent the cure for the always-on, technology-driven corporate cultures that have become all too common.
The recently released white paper ‘Questions Are The Answer,’ co-authored by Kirstein Resch and Dana Fulwiler Volk, makes a compelling case for fundamentally re-evaluating technology’s role in the workplace. It highlights a critical paradox: while tools designed to enhance productivity and foster connections are integral to modern business operations, they can inadvertently contribute to isolation and burnout among employees.
This dilemma underscores an urgent need for leaders to steer towards more human-centric technology use, balancing digital efficiency with genuine human connectivity. The white paper is a mic drop for a leadership approach that harmonizes technological advancements with the core human needs of the workforce.
The Human-Centric Imperative
As I read and re-read the white paper, I found my mind wandering and thinking about the evolution of companies like Fujifilm, which successfully navigated the shift from traditional film to becoming a leader in digital imaging and healthcare. Their shift reveals the transformative power of a curiosity-driven culture. Unlike Kodak, which faltered by not questioning its direction deeply enough, Fujifilm’s approach underscores leaders’ critical role in fostering environments where innovation is nurtured through inquiry and exploration of the employee’s knowledge.
“Mastering the art of accessing tacit knowledge becomes the pivotal challenge,” notes Kirstein Resch in our discussion (see the full interview below), highlighting the importance of technology in enhancing not just operational efficiency but human connection and collaboration.
This challenge needs leaders to be judicious in selecting and shaping technologies that support, rather than detract from, the organizational culture, promoting a workspace where digital tools augment rather than replace human interactions.
Democratizing Knowledge to Fuel Innovation
The white paper also explores the concept of democratizing knowledge as a catalyst for innovation. It reminded me of the story of Pixar Animation Studios, with its ‘Braintrust’ approach. By facilitating candid, peer-to-peer feedback sessions, Pixar not only produced a series of blockbuster hits but also cultivated a culture where open exchange of knowledge and ideas is the norm, free from the constraints of hierarchy.
“Democratizing access to knowledge elevates everyone,” argues Kirstein Resch and Fulwiler Volk. This culture of openness not only fosters innovation but also empowers every member of the organization to contribute their unique insights, sparking a cycle of continuous improvement and creativity that drives both individual and organizational growth.
Enhancing Well-being Through Curiosity
Curiosity not only fuels innovation; it is foundational to well-being in the workplace. Adobe’s Kickbox program is an exemplary model that embodies this principle. By empowering any employee to explore new ideas outside their daily responsibilities, Adobe has fostered an environment where curiosity thrives. (You can use it today as well.)
The Kickbox idea has driven innovation and enhanced workplace satisfaction, showcasing the profound impact of nurturing curiosity on organizational success and employee well-being.
Kirstein Resch’s insights resonate deeply with this concept. During our conversation, she emphasized, “Encouraging questions and creating spaces for open knowledge sharing means we’re essentially affirming, ‘You are valued, and it’s safe to explore here.’” This culture of psychological safety, where it’s encouraged not to have all the answers, facilitates a work environment rich in curiosity, leading to higher levels of engagement, innovation, and well-being.
Navigating the Technology Paradox
The paradox of technology in the workplace presents a dual challenge. While offering opportunities for enhanced connectivity and productivity, it can also lead to stress and burnout if not managed carefully.
The introduction of Zoom’s “Focus Mode” exemplifies a strategic response to this challenge, enabling more mindful engagement with technology. By allowing hosts to minimize distractions during meetings, Zoom has struck a balance between maintaining digital connectivity and fostering genuine human interaction, a critical consideration for today’s leaders.
Co-founder and Chief Evangelist of the Digital Wellness Institute Amy Blankson’s perspective in the white paper illuminates this balance further: “Not only is it more critical than ever that we adopt and implement new technologies through a human-centric lens, but it has now become necessary that we rethink the technologies we are already using at work and how they affect the people using them.”
This mindset shift towards more intentional technology use underscores the importance of designing digital environments that support well-being and productivity.
Next Question?
It’s clear that leaders ought not to be leading by thinking they possess all the answers. Instead, it’s more about fostering a culture of inquiry, where curiosity, well-being, and thoughtful technology use are interwoven into the fabric of organizational life.
By championing environments that encourage asking the right questions, leaders can unlock the full potential of their teams, driving innovation, connection, and well-being. This approach not only addresses the immediate challenges of the modern workplace but also lays the groundwork for sustained organizational resilience and success, truly embodying the essence of transformative leadership.
‘Questions Are The Answer‘ makes a strong case for such a scenario.
Watch the full interview with Rebecca Kirstein Resch and Dan Pontefract on the Leadership NOW program below, or listen to it on your favorite podcast.