I’ve learned that curiosity isn’t optional in leadership—it’s the difference between compliance and contribution. Once I stopped assuming I ‘knew’ my team and actually asked, listened, and learned, their energy shifted in ways no project plan ever could.
I recently asked someone fairly new to the workforce how they liked their job.
They paused, then said quietly: “The work’s okay, but my leader doesn’t know me—and doesn’t care to know me.”
That response stuck with me. I didn’t need to ask how engaged they were. The absence of curiosity was loud and clear.
Disengagement doesn’t come from laziness or lack of effort. It comes from not feeling seen, heard, or valued. People don’t disengage because they stop working hard—they disengage because they stop believing they belong.
Too often, leadership becomes a checklist: deadlines met, meetings held, project plans updated. But leading people isn’t about the boxes—it’s about the bond.
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It starts with questions. Not just about the work, but about the person doing it. It deepens with listening—not to respond, but to understand. And when leaders challenge the workflow and pause long enough to hear what’s said, curiosity blooms. That’s when innovation shows up. That’s when contribution replaces compliance.
The real magic happens when we build the human relationship. That’s what moves people. That’s what unlocks growth.
Action Steps You Can Take Now
- Ask one personal question this week—then listen without interrupting.
- Invite feedback on a process or workflow and pause before offering your own view.
- Reflect on who you haven’t connected with lately—and reach out.
Have you ever felt unseen at work or helped someone feel more connected? How did you overcome this experience? What questions have you found bring out the best ideas from your team? Please share your stories and insights so we keep learning together.
And if you’re looking to strengthen leadership connection and engagement in your organization, tell me your story. I’d love to listen.
Bill Ryan
Bridging Distance, Building Excellence – As founder and CEO of Ryan Consulting, I transform how organizations thrive in remote and virtual environments.
For over 25 years, I’ve been fascinated by one question: How do we create extraordinary connection and performance when teams aren’t in the same room? This question has guided my career helping organizations harness the full potential of their distributed workforce.
My approach is refreshingly practical. I align what I call the 3P’s—Purpose, People, and Process—creating frameworks where remote teams don’t just function, they flourish. In today’s landscape of rapid change, this alignment isn’t just helpful—it’s your competitive edge.
Working together, we’ll craft solutions precisely calibrated to your organization’s unique challenges. Whether through customized workshops on performance support, process refinement, mobile solutions, or organizational effectiveness, I bring proven strategies that deliver measurable results.
My greatest satisfaction comes from watching leaders, teams, and individuals discover they can collaborate more effectively across distance than they ever thought possible. In a world of constant change, that’s not just good business—it’s transformational.
Ready to reimagine what your remote workforce can achieve? Let’s connect.