Curiosity is a good thing; so why did it kill the cat?

Curiosity is a positive trait which has many benefits; it is heralded as an important leadership characteristic and also plays a vital role in both promoting positive conflict and resolving conflict that has become difficult or destructive. So how then did it kill the cat?

Curiosity is good for you!

Some of the benefits of curiosity are:-

• It expands our empathy. When dealing with conflict situations or difficult relationships empathy allows us to better understand the other’s position. In dealing with difficult conversations or conflict resolution, the Stone, Patton and Hean model talks about moving from certainty to curiosity. ” There is only one way to understand the other person’s story and that’s by being curious.” In this way curiosity enables us to understand the other’s perspective.
• It improves our listening.  Great listening is fuelled by curiosity. If leaders or managers truly listen then this develops understanding. The importance to others of feeling that they have been listened to and understood should not be underestimated in achieving real engagement and when seeking to resolve conflicts.
• It improves our health. Studies suggest that those of us with enquiring minds live longer and happier lives.
• It improves our relationships, Curiosity leads to an attitude of openness and interest which helps to establish and maintain both personal and professional relationships.
• It helps us learn and improves memory. When we are curious about something it is not surprising that this makes it easier to learn. However, studies also suggest that a curious mind also improves learning and memory for things that we are not even interested in. Albert Einstein attributed his intelligence to curiosity “I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious“. If leaders or managers remain curious it develops understanding. It promotes learning and self-awareness; if we are constantly curious then we are continually striving to learn more about ourselves, others and the world around us.
• It promotes creativity and innovation. Being curious opens up new possibilities and encourages new ideas; it stops us getting stuck in the status quo.

As a mediator and coach remaining curious is essential, it enables me to ask the stupid question that will challenge assumptions and current thinking and promote greater understanding. Empathetic listening is probably the single most important skill that I strive to master and remaining interested and self-reflection help my desire for continuous learning.

So why is it so dangerous for cats?

The saying “curiosity killed the cat” is difficult to pinpoint exactly but it seems to have originated as “care will kill a cat” with care meaning worry or sorrow. In 1898 the proverb appeared in Ebenezer Cobham Brewer’s  Dictionary of Phrase and Fable as “Care killed the Cat. It is said that “a cat has nine lives,” yet care would wear them all out.”
The origin of the modern variation is unknown but the actual phrase occurred in The Washington Post on 4 March 1916 (page 6): It referred to a story about a cat (Blackie) getting stuck up a chimney.When there were attempts to rescue Blackie he climbed higher and then fell. He was then rescued but died from his injuries shortly afterwards.

Conclusion

Curiosity does carry some risk as you may be venturing into the unknown and trying new things. However the important thing is to learn from our curiosity (unlike Blackie) and the benefits of remaining curious far out way the risks, unless of course you are a cat climbing up a chimney.

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