Curious Leaders Build Stronger, Smarter Teams

Curious Leaders Build Stronger, Smarter Teams

Author: John Jantsch January 22, 2026 Duration: 22:27

Curiosity is not a soft skill. It is one of the strongest predictors of leadership performance and team success. In this episode, John Jantsch talks with leadership strategist and researcher Debra Clary about why curious leaders build stronger, smarter teams and how asking better questions drives engagement, trust, and results. They explore how curiosity can be learned, measured, and practiced, especially in high pressure leadership environments. You will learn how bold questions can reshape culture, unlock performance, and help leaders move from giving answers to developing people.

Today we discussed:

00:00 Start

01:51 Improv, Stand-Up, and the Book Journey

03:18 Curiosity as a Superpower and Its Decline

04:40 Data Linking Curiosity to Performance

06:09 From Having Answers to Coaching Teams

09:28 Curiosity Myths and Key Traits

10:57 Measuring and Training Curiosity

12:00 Bold Questions and Team Engagement

13:18 Case Study: Defining the Real Problem

16:26 When Curiosity Is Missing at Work

18:55 Curiosity Habits Leaders Can Use

20:28 Where to Connect

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For anyone trying to navigate the noisy world of small business growth, The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast offers a grounded, practical conversation. Host John Jantsch, recognized as a leading expert in this space, doesn't chase fads. Instead, he sits down with authors, seasoned entrepreneurs, and other practitioners who have actually built something. The discussions focus on actionable marketing tips and sustainable growth strategies you can apply, regardless of your budget. This isn't theoretical; it's a resource built on real-world experience. Each episode of the podcast feels like a direct consultation, breaking down complex ideas into manageable steps. You'll hear about systems that work, tools that save time, and mindsets that shift outcomes. Whether you're running the show yourself, working inside a marketing department, or building an agency, the consistent insight is how to do marketing that sticks and genuinely grows your business. The value comes from John's focused questioning and his guests' willingness to share what they've learned the hard way. Tune in for a clear-eyed take on what effective marketing looks like when the theory meets the road.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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