
Can You Be Both Curious and Judgemental? The Surprising Answer
Curiosity and judgement—two traits that often seem at odds. One invites open-minded exploration, while the other suggests firm conclusions. But what if we reframe this tension? What if being judgemental isn’t inherently negative but rather an essential tool for decision-making, especially when guided by curiosity?
The Workplace Dilemma: Curiosity vs. Judgement
In today’s fast-moving workplaces, leaders and employees alike must balance curiosity and judgement. Curiosity drives innovation, learning, and adaptability, while sound judgement enables decisive action. When mismanaged, judgement can become a barrier to growth, closing off new ideas. However, when combined effectively, curiosity and judgement create a powerful framework for better decision-making and collaboration.
The Science Behind It
🔹 Curiosity Fosters Open-Mindedness: Studies show that people who engage in deep inquiry make better decisions and experience less regret because they explore alternatives thoroughly before committing to a course of action.
🔹 Judgement Ensures Action: Research highlights that leaders who exhibit sound judgement—particularly under pressure—are more likely to drive successful outcomes. However, the best decisions are informed by a curiosity-driven exploration of ideas first.
🔹 Cognitive Flexibility Matters: Organisational psychology suggests that the ability to shift between curiosity and judgement—known as cognitive flexibility—is key to navigating complex challenges in business and leadership.
How Leaders and Teams Can Leverage Both
✅ Ask Before Acting – Before making a judgement, cultivate curiosity. Seek diverse perspectives, challenge assumptions, and gather insights. This prevents premature conclusions.
✅ Encourage Thoughtful Decision-Making – Recognise when it’s time to transition from exploration to evaluation. Use curiosity to inform your judgement, rather than replacing it.
✅ Create a Culture of Inquiry and Action – Promote an environment where employees feel safe to ask questions and express ideas, while also valuing the importance of making well-informed, confident decisions.
The Takeaway
Curiosity and judgement aren’t opposing forces—they’re complementary. By striking the right balance, organisations can drive both innovation and effective decision-making. The key lies in knowing when to be open to new ideas and when to make firm, informed choices.
At Steople, we help organisations create cultures where curiosity and sound judgement thrive together. If you’re looking to develop leadership skills, foster innovation, or build stronger decision-making frameworks, let’s talk! Contact us to learn more about our leadership development programs and workplace culture solutions.