THE POWER OF WONDER: SIX APPLICATIONS FOR WORK & LIFE

Wonder – it’s a productive use of brain power. To me, wonder isn’t worry. Worry looks at what might go wrong or go sideways (as I like to say). Wonder, on the other hand, stays curious and is laden with possibility … which in turn can lead to greater positivity and hope – all beautiful things at work and in life.

Maybe you are someone who naturally wonders why things happen or why outcomes are the way they are. If you are the person who wonders throughout the day, do you take that next step to see what you can learn from that spark of curiosity? I love nothing more than asking a question and then investigating it (which can look a few different ways – more on that shortly).

Put wonder to work for the greater good – again both at work and home – to see what you might discover about yourself, those immediately around you, other cultures and the world at large. Here are some real-life applications for staying curious and putting wonder to work for you: 

1. Use wonder to self-reflect. Have you ever asked yourself: “I wonder why I do that?” As someone who’s naturally interested in people and their behaviors, I ask this question often. Some might argue “does the why really matter?” Well, to me it does. To me, why gets to the root of the choice. As in, “what need does this choice fulfill?”

  • Here’s an example: Let’s say I’m someone who stays up way too late binge-watching TV and I ask myself, “I wonder why I do that?” What I might discover is that I’m not really enthralled with the content of the show but rather need the time to relax deeply and take my mind off the day. If that’s the root need, the question then becomes this: “Is binge watching TV really the best choice to satisfy that need?

  • Tip: Perhaps the most helpful function of wondering is that it removes judgment. Wonder doesn’t condemn, it seeks to understand.

2. Use wonder to reflect on situations and observations involving others. While I use wondering to mostly self-reflect, I also use it to consider why other people do what they do (behaviorally). I may not know the answer, but I can sit with the question and/or direct it to them. I can stay curious about colleagues’ well-being and ask things like, “I’m wondering how your workload is feeling right now. What are your thoughts?” This type of curiosity opens conversation in a neutral way and creates an invitation and space for the other person to share their perspective. Understanding their perspective will again keep us out of the judgment zone and help to get the insight directly or firsthand.

3. Use wonder to problem solve and generate potential solutions. Like people, all organizations have issues to resolve. A sense of wonder in your weekly meetings will keep new ideas and innovations flowing. It will create a safe place for people to share out new ways of thinking (the wilder the better). When we operate from a place of “we can’t do that,” “we’ve never done it that way (therefore we won’t)” or “that would never work,” we instantly dismiss what might be the magic bullet. Wonder gets all possibilities on the table and initiates conversation on change. If there’s an issue with a current product, service, system or group in your organization, something likely needs to change. How that change unfolds can be a positive experience when folks stay curious and problem solve this way.

4. Use wonder to resolve interpersonal conflicts. Wondering allows us to consider what other people are thinking and feeling rather than only seeing our side of the story. It reminds us that their interpretation of events may be significantly different than our own and that’s truly where the malalignment may lie. Strong emotions understandably command our attention, often leaving little space or consideration for what the other person is experiencing. Taking some time and space to wonder about the other person allows us to feel our feelings and reflect on how to approach the conversation with far greater curiosity.

5. Use wonder to ignite inspiration. I’m thinking about the word wonderful. According to Merriam Webster, it means to “inspire delight.” Wondering sits with the essential question, “what could be?” When we’re curious about the “what,” we don’t get held back by the “how.” I see this frequently in my coaching practice. People have incredibly powerful hopes, visions and aspirations yet the reality of “how could this actually happen” stops people from daydreaming – and that breaks my heart.  While this may sound esoteric, I like to believe that the “how” will reveal itself because the universe conspires to make things happen when the determination is there – and especially so when the desire and the vision are unwavering. Ask yourself this, “I wonder what’s next for me?” and see what comes up for you. 

6. Use wonder to keep people safe. Similar to the above ideas of solving relational conflict and reflecting on situations, wondering about others’ thoughts and feelings also helps to keep them safe. Rather than ignoring behavioral cues, we can make observations and ask questions from a place of concern and curiosity, not judgment. When a colleague appears distracted, disheveled and/or disconnected it makes total sense to check in on them. “I noticed you’ve been getting to work later than usual and I’m wondering if there’s anything you need. How are you doing?”

And now I wonder what you, the reader, is taking away from this experience. I’d love to hear from you and to understand if any of this sharing is helpful or if you are already using the power of wonder in this way. In turn, I wonder if we might meet to uncover how we could work together or collaborate. Drop me a line, I’m curious about you and how you found me here. Let’s chat soon!

Author: Katy Tombaugh

Katy Tombaugh