Learning content

SECTION 1

1. 1. What is curiosity, and why is it important?

According to Sasson (2022), being open to change, inquisitive, and enthusiastic about new approaches and initiatives is curiosity. Individuals who are curious question, read, and investigate. They actively pursue knowledge or experience, and they exhibit a habit of taking on challenges and expanding their horizons. They don't hesitate to question and then go extensively into the matter that interests them.

Because curiosity gives rise to queries, learning from others, and working to improve one's performance, it is essential for success in any job. People who are curious have active minds. They seek understanding and knowledge. In comparison to an individual who lacks curiosity, this places them in a better position to learn a job and perform it effectively and more innovatively (Sasson, 2022).

Sasson (2022) continues by saying, when curious individuals fail, they evaluate their failure simply because they are ready and willing to understand what went wrong in order to improve the next time. This increases their chances of being successful.

Being curious enables you to do any job more efficiently as it encourages you to ask questions, learn from others, and search for ways to do it more successfully. When you become more committed to what you are doing, you demonstrate your interest in it and your desire to learn and develop (Sasson, 2022).

"Stay curious, keep learning and keep growing. And always strive to be more interested than interesting." - Jane Fonda

1. 2. The power of curiosity in the 21^st century

The fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0, is characterised by the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and the internet of things into various industries. In this rapidly changing and ever-evolving field, curiosity plays a crucial role for women.

Curiosity allows women to stay informed and updated on the latest developments and advancements in Industry 4.0, which can lead to new opportunities and career growth. It also enables women to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions to problems, which is highly valued in the industry.

Furthermore, curiosity can help women to build a diverse skill set, which is increasingly necessary for the 4.0 industry. It encourages them to explore new areas, learn new technologies and develop new skills that can open up new opportunities for them.

In summary, curiosity is vital for women in the 4.0 industry as it allows them to stay ahead of the curve, be innovative, and develop a diverse skill set.

1. 3. Curiosity in the digital era

Geiger (2021) reports that curiosity is pivotal as the economy enters the 4.0 Industry. The constant innovations brought about, as a result, speed of change necessitates adapting and learning. The person who is well-informed and able to convey that knowledge but lacks the humility to be curious, learn and improve; will find themselves inconsequential and deficient in the critical abilities and perspectives required to achieve success in the modern/digital era.

1. 4. A working example of a company that promotes curiosity

According to Emergen Research (2022), Intel Corporation is one of the world's most prominent companies offering 4.0 solutions. As stated in Intel's values, they report that "we continuously improve, enabling us to be more curious..." while "we commit to team success, doing what's best for Intel" and "we value and grow passionately, empowered teams" (Intel, 2022). This is a working example of how implementing and fostering a workplace that promotes curiosity can positively impact even the largest of companies, such as Intel.

According to Saks (2022), as technology advances everything around us, the capacity to maintain an open mind to unanticipated possibilities might be the biggest benefit of all for companies that sustain curiosity-driven leaders. Saks references Amy Chang, who sits on the boards of the Walt Disney Company and Procter and Gamble, quoting, "You need to keep an open mind and allow for serendipity to happen. If you’re too stuck on any one idea, a lot of times you’ll miss the signals that are coming towards you that, maybe, you shouldn’t be ignoring.”

SECTION 2

2. 1. Benefits of being enthusiastic about new approaches and initiatives in a workplace environment

According to studies, curiosity has many positive benefits in the workplace. McGinn (2021) cites Van Hooydonk's understanding that for organizations, this includes:

• faster product development,
• better problem-solving competences,
• increased agility,
• and a willingness to change direction.

Likewise, curiosity is known to attract inquisitive minds and therefore can assist a company to stand out when competing for talent.

Greater curiosity within teams could also:

• stimulate productivity and efficiency, 
• lessen controversy within the group and poor decision-making, 
• and encourage a friendly environment for team members from various backgrounds.

Curiosity brings benefits at an individual level as well:

• decrease in cognitive bias,
• reduced anxiety,
• and higher levels of concentration at work.

Curiosity has been proven to promote career advancement and financial growth. Likewise, according to Dr J Thomas Smith (2021), there are many benefits to being enthusiastic in the workplace. These include:

• Helping you to prioritize
• Inspiring peers
• Making you stand out
• Keeping you focused
• Reflecting a positive attitude in the workplace.

2. 2. Opportunities of implementing new technologies to make processes more efficient:

The incorporation of technology can help strengthen the methods you and your peers accomplish tasks. It could either open up new, more adaptable approaches to carrying out tasks or help accelerate currently used systems (Nibusinessinfo.co.uk, 2022).

You must look at your existing systems in contrast to your needs to choose the most suitable technology for your workplace. Take into account any potential deficiencies in your operations and how you can:

• capture relevant data,
• organise your documents to ensure that information is managed in a rational workflow,
• evade repetition,
• and manage technological obstacles.

Contemporary businesses' digitalisation is fuelled by nine key technologies (these are known inside of the 4.0 Industry). The Industrial Internet of Things, robotics, and automation developments are what keep driving Industry 4.0. (IIOT). These technologies serve as the foundation for the upcoming industrial revolution, as well as cloud computing and data analytics (Nibusinessinfo.co.uk, 2022).

But how do you find the best technology solution for your workplace? Your industry will have a big influence on the best solution for your workplace. Examining what your competitors or other workplaces in your industry are utilising and consider widely available consumer technologies, as these may be more affordable if you work in a smaller workplace (Nibusinessinfo.co.uk, 2022). For instance, to greatly reduce senseless customer questions, you could perhaps contemplate adding a frequently asked questions (FAQs) section to your website.

How can technology improve productivity in the workplace? Implementing various technological solutions can massively increase productivity in your workplace. They can:

• enhance communication in the workplace,
• improve connectivity amongst staff, including those working remotely,
• improve staff engagement and motivation,
• and help you track and analyse performance and progress towards goal completion.

The opportunity for new and innovative technologies to change your workplace is immense. For people living in the Republic of Ireland who wish to leap their business forward into becoming much more digital through technology, assistance may be available through the Digital Transition Fund.

Case study

Context: Denise has been working as a retail sales assistant for 8 years now. She believes that she has gained the necessary skills to apply for the store manager position. However, her employer has announced that candidates interested in applying for the position must have at least the basic digital skills to be considered.

Description: Because of her many years of experience as a sales assistant within the store, Denise is a prime candidate for the store manager position. But being in her mid-40s, married with four children, Denise is not very efficient when it comes to using technology and believes she may lack the requirements for the position.

Fortunately, Denise has been very excited/interested since hearing about this new position and is willing to advance her digital skills. Denise goes home and asks her children to help her look up some resources that she could use to gain digital skills. Denise is surprised by watching video tutorials and reading some articles she had already become more competent in her digital skills in just one evening.

Denise is astonished at how simple and interesting she found to enhance her digital skills. So, she decides to enrol herself at the local college that is offering a four-week IT skills course during the evening time.

After the four weeks were finished, Denise has become extremely proficient in digital skills. Denise now believes she has more than enough experience and knowledge to apply for the store manager position and feels very confident in her ability. During the interview, her boss praises Denise for her interest in the position and that he is very impressed that she had taken the initiative to develop her skills willingly. Because of this dedication, Denise has now been offered the store manager position!

Lessons Learned:

• Any person can develop their skills if they are curious to do so at any stage in their life, regardless of their age, gender, or circumstances.
• Every company or organization must ensure that all its employees have the necessary digital skills and training to proficiently conduct their job.
• Curiosity is a vital competence to succeed in any job today.

Questions and answers

Q1: What is curiosity and what are the characteristics exhibited with this competence?

A1: Being open to change, inquisitive, and enthusiastic about new approaches and initiatives is curiosity. Individuals who are curious question, read, and investigate. They actively pursue knowledge or experience, and they exhibit a habit of taking on challenges and expanding their horizons. They don't hesitate to question and then go extensively into the matter that interests them.

Q2: What power does curiosity have in the 21st century?

A1: We live in an ever-evolving world. New job roles are constantly being invented. The digital era is on the horizon, and the rapid pace of technology is introducing so many careers. Who knows what jobs will arise in the decades ahead? A group of experts accumulated by the Institute for the Future claims that up to 85% of the jobs that college students of today will hold in 11 years have yet to be developed.

Q3: How can technology improve productivity in the workplace?

A1: Implementing various technological solutions can massively increase productivity in your workplace. They can:

• enhance communication in the workplace,
• improve connectivity amongst staff, including those working remotely,
• improve staff engagement and motivation,
• and help you track and analyse performance and progress towards goal completion.

References

• Emergen Research. (2022, April 07). Top 10 leading companies offering industry 4.0 solutions. Retrieved January 16, 2023, from https://www.emergenresearch.com/blog/top-10-leading-companies-offering-industry-4-0-solutions
• Geiger, C. (2021, June 01). Curiosity: Why it matters, why we lose it and how to get it back. Retrieved January 16, 2023, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2021/06/01/curiosity-why-it-matters-why-we-lose-it-and-how-to-get-it-back/?sh=43c51e1c2fa4
• I-SCOOP. (2022). Industry 4.0 and the Fourth Industrial Revolution explained. Retrieved January 23, 2023, from https://www.i-scoop.eu/industry-4-0/
• Intel. (2022). Intel's values. Retrieved January 16, 2023, from https://www.intel.ie/content/www/ie/en/corporate-responsibility/our-values.html
• McGinn, D. (2021). Why you should foster curiosity as a skill at work. Retrieved January 16, 2023, from https://www.headspringexecutive.com/curiosity-in-the-workplace/
• Nibusinessinfo.co.uk. (2022). Increase efficiency to maximise your profit. Retrieved January 16, 2023, from https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/using-technology-improve-efficiency
• Nibusinessinfo.co.uk. (2022). Industry 4.0: What it means for your business. Retrieved January 16, 2023, from https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/industry-4.0-technologies
• Saks, D. (2022, January 18). Why cultivating a curious mindset is the secret to success in the Digital Era. Retrieved January 17, 2023, from https://community.thriveglobal.com/why-cultivating-a-curious-mindset-is-the-secret-to-success-in-the-digital-era/
• Sasson, R. (2022). What is curiosity and why it is important. Retrieved January 16, 2023, from https://www.successconsciousness.com/blog/personal-development/what-is-curiosity/
• Smith, D. (2021, October 04). 7 ways your enthusiasm benefits you at work. Retrieved January 16, 2023, from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/7-ways-your-enthusiasm-benefits-you-work-dr-j-thomas-smith/?trk=articles_directory

Additional resources

https://youtu.be/4tFtuwnoc2A - Why curiosity in the workplace?

https://youtu.be/b9mJrzdlfR8 - What is Industry 4.0 and what does it mean for you?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFXuR0tSpbk – Women in the Digital Era | Unleashing the potential of women.