Can Curiosity Really Improve Team Performance? | Dr. Julie Pham

Send us Fan MailNever Been Promoted Podcast with Thomas HelfrichDr. Julie Pham joins the podcast to share insights on fostering respect and curiosity in the workplace. As the author of 7 Forms of Respect and the founder of Curiosity Based, Dr. Pham explores how organizations can leverage respect and curiosity to improve collaboration, engagement, and communication among teams.About Dr. Julie Pham:Dr. Julie Pham is a PhD in History and the CEO of Curiosity Based, an organization that helps companies build more curious, collaborative, and respectful workplaces. Her book, 7 Forms of Respect, provides a framework for understanding how people interpret respect differently, similar to the "love languages" concept. Dr. Pham’s mission is to promote respect and curiosity as foundational elements in corporate culture.In this episode, Thomas and Dr. Pham discuss:Understanding the 7 Forms of RespectDr. Pham introduces the seven forms of respect—Procedure, Punctuality, Information, Candor, Consideration, Acknowledgement, and Attention—and explains how these forms impact team dynamics. She emphasizes that respect is relative, dynamic, and often misunderstood, making it essential to practice curiosity to uncover what respect looks like for each individual.From Corporate Executive to EntrepreneurDr. Pham shares her unique journey of leaving a high-level nonprofit role to start her own business. Unlike many who leave due to dissatisfaction, Dr. Pham left the best job she’d ever had to own her intellectual property and create space for her voice. Her story highlights the difference between following passion and following a calling.The Importance of Curiosity in the WorkplaceDr. Pham explores how curiosity fuels respect and engagement. By practicing self-awareness and open communication, leaders can create an environment where people feel seen and heard. She offers practical steps for organizations to build curiosity as a habit, helping team members connect, learn, and collaborate more effectively.Key Takeaways:Respect is Not One-Size-Fits-AllDr. Pham explains that respect varies across individuals and cultures. By recognizing and embracing these differences, organizations can build more inclusive and adaptable environments where everyone feels valued.Building Curiosity as a PracticeCuriosity isn’t just about asking questions—it’s a practice involving self-awareness, relationship building, and clear communication. Leaders can model curiosity by openly asking questions, listening actively, and fostering a space where employees feel safe to express themselves.Creating a Culture of AbundanceDr. Pham advocates for an abundance mindset, encouraging organizations to approach respect and collaboration as resources that multiply when shared. She explains that fostering generosity in the workplace leads to more creative and supportive teams."Respect isn’t just one thing. It’s about understanding that everyone has their own unique definition and practicing curiosity to find out what it looks like for them." — Dr. Julie PhamCONNECT WITH DR. JULIE PHAM:Website: https://curiositybased.com/ | https://formsofrespect.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepham2/CONNECT WITH THOMAS:X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/thelfrich | https://twitter.comSupport the showhttps://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie