Curiosity: The Secret to a Kinder 2025?

As we move through 2025, one powerful question is worth asking: Can Curiosity Be The Secret to a Kinder World? This idea was front and center in my recent segment on New Day Northwest—and it’s a conversation every leader and team member should pay attention to.

In the fast-paced, high-pressure work environments of today, acts of kindness often seem like a luxury. Yet, as I’ve shared countless times as The Kindness Catalyst, kindness is no longer just a “nice to have” trait in the workplace—it’s a critical ingredient for thriving organizations. And that’s where curiosity comes in.

The act of being curious about one another—about our coworkers, their struggles, and their unique perspectives—can lay the groundwork for deeper empathy and connection. Curiosity invites us to understand before we judge and to listen before we speak. It’s the kind of mindset that fosters collaboration, fuels better problem-solving, and cultivates a positive culture where kindness flourishes.

The idea that curiosity can be a key driver of kindness ties into the overwhelming evidence that kindness can combat burnout and enhance employee engagement. Just like small acts of kindness ripple out and impact the broader organization, curiosity can spark moments of connection that build stronger teams. When we approach each other with genuine curiosity, we can help prevent burnout, boost morale, and drive performance.

This shift in perspective could be the secret to a kinder, more effective workplace in 2025. Embrace curiosity as a powerful tool for building not just a more compassionate team, but one that is more engaged, productive, and resilient.

As we look to the future, remember that kindness isn’t about grand gestures. It’s the simple, everyday actions that create lasting change. Curiosity is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to start.

Bringing curiosity and kindness into our workplaces can transform our organizations for the better.

In kindness,

Linda