The more odd a comment seems. The more heightened the emotional energy. The greater the number of moving parts. The more deeply engrained the problem. The more essential curiosity becomes.

• “When you said…, what did you mean?”
• “Say more.”
• “Help me understand.”

It doesn’t take much curiosity to open up a world of new possibilities or bridge the gap in a collaboration. It doesn’t take much to be part of the solution.

Unless exercising curiosity takes more effort than you’re willing to give. In this case, please don’t point the finger at others the next time you feel like complaining about the status quo.