There’s a famous quote by fictional character Ted Lasso that has resonated with people worldwide: “be curious, not judgmental.” These words embody a principle that we have embraced at Accessa, as we believe it unlocks the power of connection and success. In our line of work, we help businesses improve their operations through our products and services. And yet, we’ve found that it’s not just about the coatings, chemicals, or equipment we sell; it’s also about the relationships we build. When our consultants are curious, they are better able to understand our customers’ challenges and offer tailored solutions.
What does it mean to be curious? At Accessa, we define curiosity as an insatiable desire to learn and understand things beyond the surface level. It’s about being genuinely interested in someone else’s perspective and experiences. By being curious, we can move beyond assumptions and judgments and explore new possibilities. When our consultants visit a customer’s site, they ask questions to know more about their business, operations, and aspirations. They explore how our products and services could fit into their strategy. And they are open to learning from the customer as well- what works, what doesn’t work, and what challenges they face.
Now, let’s talk about the benefits of curiosity in business. One of the most significant advantages is improved communication. When we are curious about someone, we are more likely to listen carefully and ask thoughtful questions. This approach fosters better communication, leading to stronger partnerships. Our consultants can assess a customer’s needs accurately, which can lead to improved sales numbers and long-term loyalty. Additionally, when we’re curious about a customer’s business, we learn things we might not otherwise know. This information can be valuable as we develop new products or tweak our existing offerings.
There’s another compelling reason for cultivating curiosity in business: Innovation. Asking why and how can lead to new discoveries and breakthrough ideas. When we’re curious about our customers’ needs, we are more likely to come up with innovative solutions. For example, our consultants once worked with a customer who needed to reduce their environmental impact. They brought in our team to explore options. By asking questions and researching different options, our team devised a coating that would help the customer meet their goals and reduce their carbon footprint, all while meeting performance requirements.
When we look beyond the business realm, curiosity also has benefits that stretch beyond the bottom line. Curiosity can lead to personal growth, expanded horizons, and greater empathy. When we take the time to learn about people who are different from us, we begin to see the world from their perspective. Curiosity can help us connect with others, break down barriers, and build stronger communities.
We believe curiosity is a powerful tool – both in business and in life. By being curious, we can build stronger relationships, communicate more effectively, and come up with innovative solutions. And in the words of Ted Lasso, “The more curious we are about something, the more we learn, and the more we understand. So go out and ask some questions!”