Take Five: Leading Your Nonprofit with Curiosity

Q: We often hear that curiosity is a “soft skill.” Why are you calling it the “tip of the spear” for nonprofit leadership?

Joel: We’re in a new era of uncertainty. If you’re leading based on assumptions or trying to have all the answers, you’re going to get stuck, or worse, burn out. I don’t believe curiosity is soft; it can be a powerful tool. When you put curiosity at the tip of the spear, you’re opening a new world of opportunities for collaboration, healthy debate, and ideas. Replacing those “yes or no” questions — that sometimes shut people down and prevent further engagement — with open-ended inquiries, you begin to break down self-limiting beliefs and actually foster innovation. If you want to engage a stagnant board meeting or further develop a staff member, start being more curious.

Q: You mention “leaning into conflict” as a service. Most people want to run the other way. How is conflict productive?

Joel: I always ask rooms of people, “Who here loves conflict?” and maybe one person raises their hand just to be funny. But here’s the thing: in a healthy organization and among healthy teams, conflict isn’t a shouting match. It’s an environment of trust. It’s about your team feeling confident enough to share a differing opinion without fearing retribution. Leaning in and asking the difficult “curious” questions allows the conversation to go deeper and engages that individual or team in a way that helps them to be more problem solvers who are part of the solution.

Q: How does this curiosity mindset actually change the results in something like fundraising?

Joel: It forces you to ask different questions about donor engagement. Instead of doing what we’ve always done, curiosity asks, “What would happen if we approached this top donor differently?” It unlocks potential because you aren’t just hitting a “send” button on a campaign; you’re intentionally influencing the strategy through new thinking and perspectives.

Q: What do you do when you’re met with “crickets” in the boardroom after asking for input?

Joel: We’ve all been there. You ask, “Does anyone have any questions?” and… nothing. To change that awkward silence, simply switch to open-ended questions. Stop asking, “Do you agree?” and start asking, “What impact would it have on our mission if we moved in this direction?” That simple switch forces engagement. You’re not giving them the easy way out with a “yes” or “no.” You’re empowering them to engage further, share their opinion, and uncover solutions you might not have seen.

Q: Can a leader really build resilience by admitting they don’t have the answers?

Joel: I do it all the time. It’s the free pass and the grace I give myself to prevent frustration, negative self talk, and burnout. There’s strength in being vulnerable, especially in a difficult period. When you stand before your staff and admit, “I don’t know, but we’re going to figure this out together,” you’re being honest. That honesty is what encourages the rest of the team to step up and act with boldness. It begins to move the team from confusion to clarity.

Q: How can I tell if my team is just unmotivated or if they’re actually just confused?

Joel: I believe it comes down to passion for the mission. A confused team member still has that passion; they’re coming to you with questions and maybe some frustration because they want to do the job right. But a complacent team member? I believe they’ve lost their “why.” They’re just punching the clock. And it’s likely a sign that they’re quiet quitting. Curiosity is the bridge for the confused; it provides the confidence they need to navigate uncertainty.

Ready to Lead Beyond the Ordinary?

The uncertainty we experience requires the boldness to be extraordinary. If you’re ready to stop settling for “crickets” and start fostering a culture of trust and collaboration, join me at the Brady Ware Take Five Nonprofit Conference. In my workshop, “Becoming an Extraordinary Nonprofit Leader,” we’re going to get into the “extra” work—unlocking that curiosity-first mindset, leaning into productive conflict, and using vulnerability to drive your mission forward. I’ll see you there.

Register today to secure your spot and gain the clarity needed to lead your team from confusion to high-impact growth.