Where do we aim our curiosity?

This isn’t just a camera.

It’s a metaphor for our curiosity.

Because while curiosity is a gift, aiming it is a skill.

⏵ Why does this matter?

We all fall into habitual patterns in how we approach commercial situations, conversations, and negotiations.

And those habits rub off on our curiosity.

We might be curious… but only in certain directions, and only to a certain depth.

That’s limited.

To make the most of curiosity as a tool, we need to bring intentionality. Not just picking up the tool, but aiming it into areas that will be commercially productive.

⏵ The Four Worlds of Commercial Curiosity

As we wrapped up a Commercial Curiosity programme last week, we paused to reconnect with the power of aimed curiosity. Of the value that lies off the beaten path - and the intentional steps we can take to direct our curiosity to surface that value. 

Not with a scattergun. But with precision.

We reminded ourselves of the Four Worlds and Five Paths of Commercial Curiosity.

The Four Worlds offers us four broad directions to aim our curiosity and map the commercial terrain:

🔹 Your World - your own situation, goals, mindset, and assumptions

🔹 Their World - the context, perspectives, and drivers of those you’re working with

🔹 Our World - the shared space where collaboration, delivery, and mutual interests play out

🔹 Wide World - the broader environment shaping the commercial context

Most of us default to favouring one or two of these worlds.

That’s a commercial blind spot - and a perfect place to direct our curiosity.

⏵ Consider a current commercial matter or conversation. 

Where are you aiming your curiosity?

Is there a world or worlds that you could be neglecting? 

You’ve got the gift of curiosity - we all do. 

The question is: where will you aim it?