The Best Leaders Are Curious
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When I was first getting started in construction, I thought the key to success was having all the answers. I assumed leaders were the ones who spoke first, solved problems fast, and rarely asked questions. So, I tried to play that part just by nodding along when I didn’t fully understand, trying to act like I had everything all figured out.
It took me a while to learn that pretending to know everything isn’t leadership — it’s ego. And ego will stall your growth faster than anything else.
The best leaders I’ve worked with all had one thing in common: they stayed curious.
Curiosity Is a Superpower in Construction
Construction is complex. It changes constantly. Even the most seasoned superintendents and PMs are still learning every day.
Curiosity is a great tool that helps you keep up with the constant changes. It ultimately is what helps you grow faster. And it’s what shows the people around you that you’re not just trying to look smart, but you’re actually trying to get better.
Here’s what curiosity looks like on the job:
Asking why something is done a certain way.
Looking beyond your scope to understand how the whole job fits together.
Following up after meetings to clarify things you didn’t fully grasp.
Saying “I don’t know, but I’ll find out” instead of just trying to fake it.
I’m not encouraging you to bother your manager with questions constantly. Rather, it’s about having a mindset of learning and being willing to dig in.
Why Curiosity Builds Trust
People think asking questions makes them look inexperienced. But the opposite is usually true. When you ask thoughtful, respectful questions, it shows:
You care about doing the job right
You’re not making assumptions
You want to improve, and you're not afraid of a challenge
One of the fastest ways to gain the respect of leaders and peers on-site is to be the person who asks thoughtful questions, follows through, and learns quickly. All of that starts with curiosity.
Stay Curious, Even When You’re Experienced
If you’re someone who’s been in the field a few years, you might feel like you’ve already learned a ton. And you probably have. But if you start believing you’ve “figured it all out,” you’ll stop growing. That’s just as dangerous a place to be. Curiosity isn’t something you outgrow; it’s something you bring with you. The industry is evolving. Expectations are shifting. You’ve got to keep learning if you want to keep leading.
Final Thought
The people who grow into great leaders aren’t the ones who always act like they know everything. They’re the ones who stay curious, ask good questions, and constantly look for ways to improve.
So the next time you don’t know something, please don’t fake it. Ask. Explore. Learn. That’s how you become someone others look to for answers.
Keep pushing boundaries, keep learning, and keep building.
- Fulton
Want to connect or learn more about how we help construction teams grow the next generation of leaders? Book a meeting with me here: https://calendly.com/fcure-wellbuiltconsulting/wb-get-to-know-you-call
