Experimentation isn’t just an individual pursuit—it can create meaningful change when embraced collectively. In teams and organizations, an experimental mindset fuels curiosity, innovation, and resilience.
But for that to happen, leaders must actively cultivate an environment where people feel safe to take risks, ask questions, and challenge assumptions. They need to demonstrate experimental leadership.
In these three short audio lessons, leading researchers—each with a unique perspective—explore the crucial role of curiosity in leadership, decision-making, and team dynamics.
1. Improvisation and Experimentation
Colin M. Fisher, PhD
A world-leading expert on group dynamics, creativity, and improvisation at work, UCL Professor Colin Fisher explores the critical role of leaders infostering curiosity and improvisation within organizations. In this audio lesson, he argues that leaders must actively encourage curiosity by framing work appropriately, modeling risk-taking, and asking thoughtful questions. Drawing insights from jazz musicians, SWAT teams, and emergency rooms, Fisher highlights the importance of psychological safety, minimal structures, and simple rules to support improvisation in high-stakes environments. By embracing these principles, leaders can create teams that are more adaptable, innovative, and resilient in the face of uncertainty, ensuring that curiosity and creativity thrive in the workplace. You can learn how organizational science can help us live and work better together by subscribing to The Fishbowl, Colin’s publication on Substack.
2. Curiosity and Decision-Making
Julie Gore, PhD
In this audio lesson, Professor Julie Gore explores the cognitive processes and behaviors of experts across various fields, emphasizing their ability to see the big picture, recognize patterns, and adapt quickly to changing circumstances. She highlights the challenges of studying team dynamics, particularly in high-pressure environments like emergency response teams, where decision inertia can occur. Gore discusses the role of curiosity and situation assessment in fostering better decision-making, even under time constraints. She also addresses the cultural and organizational factors that influence expertise, emphasizing the importance of questioning assumptions and maintaining an open mindset in complex, uncertain environments. You can connect with Julie on X/Twitter.
3. Purposeful Empathy and Curiosity
Anita Nowak, PhD
Anita Nowak explores the relationship between empathy and curiosity, describing empathy as a superpower that can enhance both personal well-being and social connections. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and lived experience, she illustrates how practicing empathy fosters emotional connection, reduces stress, and promotes mutual understanding. In this audio lesson, Nowak highlights the link between empathy and curiosity, emphasizing that purposeful empathy involves stepping outside our in-groups to engage with others openly. She also differentiates between affective and cognitive empathy, stressing the importance of perspective-taking without projection. In leadership, she argues that demonstrating empathy builds trust, enhances workplace dynamics, and fosters a culture of psychological safety and engagement. You can learn more about Anita’s work and read her book Purposeful Empathy by visiting her website.