The Power of Curiosity in Coaching and Sales Calls

 Over the past few years, there's something I've learned through handling thousands of sales calls that have made a significant difference → BE CURIOUS FIRST, CRITICAL SECOND. This principle, the second rule of engagement for Faith2Influence, is incredibly important not just in business, coaching, and sales, but also in life, marriages, parenting, and friendships.

We all know that a lot of human nature tends to lean towards being very critical, especially in today's world inundated with social media and quick takes from everyone on everything. With so many voices and so much criticism, there's a prevailing culture of judgment.

While there's value in having a critical eye, the order of operations truly matters here: The true value of criticism, judgment, and discernment comes after being CURIOUS. Being critical initially closes off opportunities and relationships, hindering our ability to understand, empathize, and truly listen.

If you're like many, you might relate to situations where, instead of listening to your spouse or loved ones, you jump in with solutions or judgments before they've even finished expressing themselves (I’ve been there too.) 

However, what they often need is not a solution, but rather to be heard, understood, and given space to process. The same applies to your clients. Giving space for curiosity in your conversations deepens relationships and builds trust.

Here are a few ways to bring insatiable curiosity into your interactions:

Ask Open-Ended Questions: Start conversations with open-ended questions that allow the other person to share freely without feeling directed towards a predetermined answer. 

Listen Actively: Stop worrying about what to say next, instead → Show genuine interest by asking follow-up questions and delving deeper into their responses. 

Follow the Thread: Be flexible in your conversations and allow them to unfold naturally based on the energy and direction of the discussion.

By being genuinely curious and present in your conversations, you'll provide a level of engagement and interest that many people crave in today's fast-paced world. 

So… Whether it's in sales calls or coaching sessions, deep curiosity leads to deeper understanding and emotional connection, which in turn can provide the leverage needed for meaningful change.

Remember, the goal is not to be perfect but to make progress. Sometimes, it may take some effort, but with practice and prayer, you can cultivate a mindset of curiosity that transforms your relationships and enriches your life. Remember, be curious first and critical second.

 Ready to explore my journey and insights further? [Listen how to be curious first, critical second here].