In one of my favourite scenes from the series Ted Lasso, Ted shares a profound insight during a game of darts with a simple quote from Walt Whitman: “Be curious, not judgmental.” (it’s an amazing scene – check it out here – warning: profanities) This principle is not only pivotal in the show but also highly relevant to our mission at PeerSphere.
Curiosity Over Judgment
In education and beyond, we often assume that the answers we seek are already known and just need to be revealed by the right person. This mindset can lead to a couple of types of judgement:
- Judgment of others, where we think we have everything figured out and fail to learn more about why others believe what they do, therefore missing out on opportunities to learn and grow.
- Judgement of ourselves, where we feel we should know something and hide it, which can hinder our growth and prevent us from exploring new possibilities.
The Importance of Context
Education is a field where one-size-fits-all solutions rarely apply. The unique contexts of our school communities mean that the best answers are often found through exploration and collaboration rather than through prescriptive advice. This is where curiosity becomes a vital tool.
Connecting and Collaborating
At PeerSphere, our community of international school educators and administrators is built on the foundation of asking questions, sharing experiences, and collaboratively solving problems. By being curious, we open ourselves up to new perspectives and innovative solutions that can be tailored to our unique situations.
“The right question is usually more important than the right answer.” Plato
When we engage with our peers, we don’t just look for answers; we seek to understand the nuances of each other’s challenges and successes, allowing us all to ask better questions. This collaborative spirit fosters a supportive environment where members feel seen and heard, and where their insights contribute to a richer collective wisdom.
Conclusion
Being curious allows us to move beyond judgment and into a space of shared learning and growth. At PeerSphere, we’re dedicated to cultivating this mindset among our members, helping you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of international education with the support of a thriving community of peers.
Find out how you can join us at www.peer-sphere.com. Let’s be curious together.
#GiveaLittleGainaLot
Ewen Bailey – PeerSphere Co-Founder
