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Curiosity in Leadership: The Power of Asking the Right Questions
Debbie Morrison • October 8, 2023

The qualities that define good leadership are shifting. No longer are leaders judged solely on their ability to implement a vision; the modern executive is a constant learner, driven by an innate sense of curiosity. As markets change and new technologies emerge, curiosity — the drive to ask questions and seek out new perspectives — is proving to be a pivotal trait for innovation and sound decision-making.


The Economic Mandate for Curious Leadership

The digital revolution, globalisation, and unprecedented global challenges (like complex supply chains and inflation bought on by the events of the war in Ukraine) have reshaped economies and business strategies.  A report from McKinsey & Company suggests China’s slowing economic activity is the second most-cited risk to the global economy, with 52 percent of Asia-Pacific respondents saying it’s a concern.


Furthermore, the very nature of work itself has changed irrevocably.
McKinsey & Company’s State of Organizations Survey suggests that more than half of respondents believe remote work will become more common (leaders, managers, and employees are still grappling with the effects of this broad behavioural upheaval. Organisations have been forced to reexamine foundational norms: Where do employees work? When do employees work? How do employees work? 


Indeed, according to
McKinsey, surveyed leaders across Asia-Pacific view their economic outlook as less positive than it was 6 months ago suggesting further challenges as we move into 2024. But what has this got to do with curiosity?


According to a recent
Harvard Business Review article, companies led by curious leaders are 30% more likely to encourage risk-taking in the pursuit of innovation. Moreover, these companies were found to have a 10% higher growth rate compared to their less-curious counterparts. Can curiosity really provide a competitive edge?


Why Curiosity?

But why does curiosity matter so much? At its core, curiosity is about wanting to know more. It’s about confronting what you don't know, and not just relying on what you do. In leadership, this translates to a few key benefits:

  • Enhanced Decision-making: By seeking diverse perspectives, curious leaders reduce their blind spots. They're less likely to be caught off-guard by shifts in the market or changes in customer behaviour.
  • Stimulating Innovation: Curious leaders are always on the lookout for the next big thing. Their natural inclination to explore often leads to unique and groundbreaking solutions.
  • Building Better Teams: Leaders with a curious mindset value diversity and understand that different experiences and perspectives lead to richer discussions and more comprehensive solutions.


Spotting Curiosity in Leadership Candidates

So, given the importance of curiosity, how can boards and hiring managers identify this trait in potential candidates? Here are a few strategies:

  • Behavioural Interviewing: Instead of asking candidates to simply list their accomplishments, ask them to narrate a situation where they had to learn something new to solve a challenge. Their approach to unfamiliar territory can be quite revealing.
  • Recommendations and References: Often, colleagues and direct reports can offer insights into a leader's inquisitiveness. Does the candidate foster an environment where questions are encouraged?
  • Continuous Learning Indicators: A history of pursuing additional courses, certifications, or self-initiated projects can be indicative of a curious mind.


Cultivating Curiosity

If you're a leader looking to enhance your curiosity quotient, here's some good news: curiosity can be cultivated. Here's how:

  • Adopt a Growth Mindset: Coined by Carol Dweck, a psychologist at Stanford University, a growth mindset champions the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed. Embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and understand that effort is the path to mastery.
  • Diversify Your Inputs: Read books, attend seminars, or listen to podcasts outside of your domain. Cross-pollinating ideas from various fields can offer fresh perspectives.
  • Encourage Questions: Cultivate an environment where team members feel comfortable challenging the status quo. The next big idea could come from an unexpected place.
  • Engage in Reflective Practices: Allocate time for introspection. Journaling, meditation, or simply taking a walk can offer the mental space required to connect disparate ideas.


The FMCG business landscape is one of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. In such an environment, curiosity isn't just an asset; it's a necessity. The willingness to question, to probe, and to seek new horizons is what will differentiate the next generation of visionary leaders.


By valuing curiosity — both in themselves and in their teams — leaders are not only fostering a culture of innovation but are also ensuring that their organisations remain resilient and agile in the face of ever-changing economic winds. The leading FMCG brands are in the hands of those who stay curious, and lead with questions. 


By John Elliott March 24, 2025
Emotional intelligence is one of the most valued traits in executive leadership today.  It’s also one of the most misunderstood. In interviews, every candidate knows how to speak about empathy, collaboration, and “bringing people on the journey.” But when does that emotional intelligence start to look more like emotional avoidance? If you’re hiring into a senior role in consumer goods or food and beverage manufacturing, this distinction matters. Hiring someone who avoids hard conversations risks building a culture that performs around problems, not through them. The leaders delivering the best outcomes in 2025 understand how to build trust and rapport — without dodging the accountability that comes with real leadership. Emotional Intelligence: What It Gets Right In complex, fast-paced industries like FMCG and food production, leaders need more than technical expertise. They must influence, de-escalate tension, manage change, and build alignment across functions. That’s where emotional intelligence shines. High-EQ leaders are more likely to: Retain talent through strong, trust-based relationships Remain composed in high-stakes environments Reduce conflict through proactive, clear communication Drive psychological safety while still pushing for results The research backs this up. According to a 2024 EHL Insights report , emotionally intelligent leaders improve employee satisfaction, engagement, and collaboration — all essential in manufacturing settings where coordination between departments is critical. But there’s a fine line between emotional intelligence and emotional overcorrection. When Emotional Intelligence Becomes Emotional Avoidance The risk is subtle: leaders who over-index on empathy may begin to avoid the discomfort of conflict altogether. That looks like: Letting underperformance linger to “keep the peace” Over-relying on collaboration instead of making firm decisions Avoiding direct feedback Prioritising harmony at the expense of clarity A 2024 Forbes article described how emotionally avoidant leaders — despite good intentions — often undermine the very culture they’re trying to protect. Accountability erodes, decisions slow down, and high performers become disengaged. We’ve seen this play out in executive search mandates across the sector. On paper, a candidate may appear ideal: emotionally intelligent, highly personable, well-liked. But dig deeper, and a pattern emerges — reluctance to address performance issues, vague language around past team challenges, and a track record of avoiding direct confrontation. That’s not emotional intelligence. That’s fear, dressed as empathy. Emotional Intelligence Is a Must — But It’s Not the Full Picture More organisations are making emotional intelligence a key leadership trait in hiring — and for good reason. In high-change environments, emotionally intelligent leaders: Build trust across teams quickly Navigate transformation without losing people along the way Stay composed under pressure Handle interpersonal complexity with clarity But some of the most costly mis-hires we see come from leaders who present as highly empathetic, but struggle to lead through tension. Not because they lack EQ — but because they confuse it with keeping everyone comfortable. The difference? The leaders delivering the best outcomes in 2024 and 2025 are doing both: Holding people accountable while building engagement Delivering hard feedback without defensiveness Balancing calm with courage These are the leaders who retain high performers, protect standards, and still earn trust across the business. Hiring Outcomes Are Better When EQ Is Tested in Context The most effective hiring processes we’re seeing in the market today aren’t just asking, “Is this leader emotionally intelligent?” They’re asking: Can this person hold accountability and empathy at the same time? Have they delivered under pressure without letting performance slide? Do they create safe cultures that are also high-performing? The difference in outcomes is clear: More resilient leadership teams Better cultural fit Fewer surprises post-placement What to Look for in Executive Interviews Hiring emotionally intelligent leaders isn’t just about what they say — it’s about how they’ve acted in real moments of challenge. The most effective hiring panels are getting beyond rehearsed narratives by asking sharper questions: To probe real emotional intelligence: “Tell me about a time you had to lead a team through a change that wasn’t popular.” “How do you approach a conversation when someone on your team is underperforming?” “Describe a time you disagreed with your CEO or board. What did you do?” Watch for signals: Are they clear and specific, or vague and diplomatic? Do they show respect and resolve? Do they accept responsibility, or redirect it elsewhere? In reference checks, ask: “How did they manage pressure or uncertainty?” “Were they able to deliver difficult feedback directly?” “Did they avoid difficult decisions in the name of team cohesion?” When emotional intelligence is genuine, it shows up in results — not just relationships. Why This Matters Now Organisations in the consumer goods and food manufacturing sectors are undergoing constant disruption — from digitisation to regulatory shifts to cost pressures. In this environment, leadership soft skills aren’t optional. But it’s not enough to hire likeable leaders. The ones delivering real impact are those who bring empathy and edge. They’re able to sit with discomfort, hold the mirror up, and still bring people with them. That’s what true emotional intelligence looks like in 2025. So when you’re hiring your next senior leader, don’t just ask if they care. Ask if they can care and confront — with courage, with clarity, and with conviction. Because your culture doesn’t need more harmony. It needs more truth.
By John Elliott March 18, 2025
AI is Changing Business—So Must Its Leaders
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