The Quiet Superpower of Compassionate Leaders
If I could give every leader just one superpower, it would be curiosity. Not the surface-level, “I’ll nod politely while you talk” kind. I mean the deep, lean in, tell me more, help me understand you better kind of curiosity that makes people feel truly seen.
Curiosity is the heartbeat of compassionate leadership. It keeps you from assuming you know all the answers. It helps you step into someone else’s perspective without judgment. And most importantly, it opens doors to connection, collaboration, and creativity you might never have found otherwise.
One of my favorite lessons in this came from my time learning with the team at Heroic Speaking—a simple yet powerful approach called “Yes, and…”
Why “Yes, and…” Changes Everything
Think about the way most conversations go. Someone shares an idea, and our brains immediately start preparing to respond with “Yes, but…” or “No, that won’t work…” Without meaning to, we’ve just shut the door on possibility.
“Yes, and…” does the opposite. It validates the other person’s idea and builds on it. It keeps momentum moving forward rather than shutting it down.
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Yes, and… tell me more about how that could work.
Yes, and… what resources would we need to make it happen?
Yes, and… let’s explore what success would look like.
It’s not about agreeing with everything—it’s about being open to exploring anything.
The Power of “What if…”
Another simple shift that sparks creativity and trust is asking “What if…” questions.
“What if…” invites exploration without the pressure of commitment. It gives people permission to think outside their normal box, to brainstorm without fear of failure.
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What if we approached this from the client’s perspective?
What if we tried it on a smaller scale first?
What if the obstacle wasn’t really the obstacle?
Compassionate leaders know that breakthroughs often hide behind unconventional questions—and “What if…” is the key to unlocking them.
Curiosity Builds Connection
When you lead with curiosity, your team feels safe to share, to stretch, and to innovate. They know you’re not there to catch them in a mistake but to walk beside them in discovery.
And here’s the truth: curiosity is contagious. The more you model it, the more your team will mirror it—transforming your culture from “We’ve always done it this way” to “What else is possible?”
Try This Today
The next time you’re in a meeting or conversation:
Replace “Yes, but…” with “Yes, and…” and notice how it changes the energy.
Ask one “What if…” question that invites new thinking.
Stay quiet a little longer than usual—give space for ideas to grow.
In a world full of quick answers and instant opinions, curiosity is a radical act of leadership. It says, I value you enough to keep asking, listening, and learning. And that, my friend, is where trust and transformation begin.
What about you—how will you bring more “Yes, and…” and “What if…” into your leadership this week?
With clarity and confidence,
Laura T.🧡💚💙
