If I had to choose a single behavior that would help businesses up their service game, it would be “curiosity.” Curiosity is that strong desire to learn. It’s that need to find out more and dig deeper to get to the root of problems. It is, quite simply, what lies at the root of being able to serve others competently. Here are three key benefits.

LEARNING

To serve, one needs to know what people want and need, that requires learning and learning is all about curiosity. When we learn what people are looking for and what they want to do, we can truly help them. This is only possible when questions are asked.

CREATING SAFETY

According to David Rock, a neuroscience researcher, there are five key needs that, when met, can create safer, more comfortable environments for interaction and open doors to relationship.

• People want to feel that they matter
• They want to know what’s going to happen
• They want to have some level of control or input
• They want to be included
• They want to have their needs considered equally to others

When we ask questions, we hit on most of these needs in one fell swoop. When you ask people questions, it becomes clear that they matter and are included. Giving them an opportunity to answer allows them input and a sense that their needs will be considered fairly. We can even give people a sense of certainty in the future when our questions lead to clarity about what they can expect.

EMPATHY

Curiosity also allows us to demonstrate empathy. The more we learn, the more we can relate to how people feel. We can get a better sense of their hopes, fears, and problems and then move to help.

Overall, curiosity stands at the base of great service. It allows us to learn, create a safe environment, and empathize. And, curiosity is something we can measure. We know whether we are being curious or not. If we’re not asking questions, we’re not being curious, it’s that simple.

So, what lies at the root of great service? For me, it has to be curiosity. It allows for honoring others while at the same time making it possible to truly meet needs. It’s not difficult and it can be trained.

Want to up your service game? Get curious.

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