Good morning, Leaders! It’s Friday!

Imagine what’s going through the blue bears head…

How you doing?
What’s going on in there?
Why am I out here?

I’m back in Denver for multiple reasons but you could sum it up with one word…curiosity.

How are things going with friends and colleagues?
What is the work environment like?
How far can I take an Uber before I can’t find one back to my trip origin?
How many people can I have a meaningful conversation with while I’m here?
What industry trends should I be more aware of?
How are my competitors doing?
What should I be doing differently?
Where are the market opportunities?
Which companies possess the skills, talent and willingness to partner for a larger opportunity than what either could tackle alone?
How do we navigate industry trends, regulations and basic bureaucracy and still provide timely solutions to the clients and industry we serve?

There are a thousand and one questions running through my head at any given moment. I’m curious.

I contend that leaders are learners and you have to ask the question to prepare yourself for the answer.

One of the industry pundits I joined this week is far beyond his title. He is Chairman of his company but if you call the front desk, they will tell you he is “retired”. He had as many questions as anyone in the meeting. He hasn’t stopped learning. He is genuinely curious and still consuming data and interpreting information to make himself and the organizations he is associated with better.

Another Chairman in the room also posed questions, made assertions and conveyed a level of interest through questions and curiosity. His company provided the venue, administrative help and food to make this gathering possible. He hoped to learn something, gain knowledge or make a statement that he is still in the game…looking to contribute.

Surrounded by leaders at an industry organization function filled with volunteers simply looking to make a difference was enough reinforcement for me that curiosity is the key.

When you stop asking questions, you’ve thrown in the towel.

Have a blessed weekend!