Remember the old line, “Curiosity killed the cat”? Simon Banks does not buy it. Curiosity made the cat a rather impressive feline and, paired with good information, turned it into Supercat. After a period where work was flipped on its head, Simon argues that curiosity is not optional. It is how teams ask the right, human-centred questions so they solve the right problems.

In the video he shares simple reframes that matter as people move between home and office. “How do we put only two people in a lift?” is a logistics question. A better, people-first version is “How do people feel safe and valued when they arrive?” “How do we stagger timetables?” is planning. Try “How do we make being in the office enjoyable, even if it feels a bit sparse and sterile?” “How do we keep people apart?” is about space. “How do we keep our teams together?” is about connection.

The idea is simple. Stay highly curious and keep imagination on high alert. The question you ask changes the outcome you get. Start with people, then plan, and better options begin to appear.

Ready to turn people-first curiosity into practice? Bring Simon’s Keynote Speaking to your next event.

• Curiosity upgrades the brief. Start with people, then plan.
• Better questions change the work that happens next and the outcome you get.
• Swap lifts, rosters and spacing for safety, enjoyment and connection.
• Keep imagination on high alert to notice what matters and design for it.
• Make small, human touches that make the office worth coming to.

Ready to make curiosity your team’s competitive edge?