Curiosity is a valuable skill as it allows one to challenge existing theories and develop new ways to innovate and improve processes. However, how does the impact of curiosity differ for men and women? A recent study co-authored by Anthony Klotz that whilst curiosity from male bosses is well perceived by their employees, a female boss’s curiosity is likely to go unnoticed by their employees. Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, Professor Anthony Klotz explains the difference in this reaction to curiosity in a boss’s gender.
The study revealed that employees with a curious male boss were three to four times more likely than employees with female bosses to report that they felt comfortable making suggestions or giving opinions. The authors argue that the trait of curious behaviour is not usually associated with men, traditionally they do not admit they are wrong so it is unexpected if they do not know the answer, whilst women are expected to be empathetic and their curiosity goes unnoticed.
Anthony said: “Curiosity really is a leadership superpower. When leaders are curious, they signal that it is safe for employees to learn and explore”, but this superpower is not as easy for women to harness with their employees as it is for males. Anthony and his co-authors suggest companies should address unconscious bias towards female leaders and highlight this double standard women in leadership face.
