"positive momentum in teams starts with a simultaneous moment when everyone realises things can't stay this way"
"positive momentum in teams starts with a simultaneous moment when everyone realises things can't stay this way"
BY KATE CHRISTIANSEN
The Curly Approach™ is a trademarked methodology of insights, frameworks and tools that enables adaptive capability. It was created to make overcoming obstacles and delivering great outcomes easier during times of significant disruption and uncertainty.
Complex problems require a different approach
The Curly Approachâ„¢ enables leaders & teams to navigate and address unclear, multi-cause, multi-problem, multi-team challenges that are the consequence of a planned or unexpected disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we need The Curly Approach?
As humans, we are born problem solvers - but not all problems are the same. Some are simple and straightforward. We can define and solve them with the knowledge we, or someone else, has. Other problems are complex and ambiguous. They are not straightforward, are hard to define and difficult to solve.
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These kinds of problems make us feel uncertain, anxious and overwhelmed. And, they make our brain shut-down when we need it most. This prevents us from making progress and moving forward. The Curly Approach™ addresses this.
How does the Curly Approach help people move forward during disruption?
The Curly Approach™ enables people to identify, make sense of then address the complexity and ambiguity within the above problems. It uses questions to create clarity out of confusion so we can get our heads around the issue, see the opportunity and find a way forward.
What makes The Curly Approach so special?
The Curly Approach™ gives individuals and groups the ability to confidently enter the unknown, discover new ideas, then come back to what they know, to implement them. It is the foundational element behind the top five skills identified by the World Economic Forum’s Future of Work Report. Namely, analytical thinking and innovation, active learning, complex problem-solving, critical thinking and creativity and initiative.
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Given the rate of technological, social and economic change today, no matter how you look at it, our new world needs a new way to adapt to it. And that, is The Curly Approach.
How does the The Curly Approach work with the brain and why does it work?
The Curly Approach comprises three interrelated elements. Curly Questions, Curly Thinking™ and Curly Conversations®.
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A Curly Question is a question for which the answer (or even the question) is not immediately obvious. It is designed to be a catalyst that engages our brain, causing us to ask further questions of ourselves so we can come up with a response.
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When the right Curly Questions are asked in the right sequence they unlock Curly Thinking. This challenges our thinking habits and creates cognitive flexibility, which in turn, opens our minds up to new ideas and new perspectives. Neuroscientists call this effect neuroplasticity.
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A Curly Conversation occurs when a group of people use Curly Questions to unlock the collective Curly Thinking of the group and address an ambiguous, complex problem together.
In what situations can The Curly Approach be applied?
It can be used in any situation where human beings face complex and ambiguous challenges that are preventing progress. It enables decisions to be made even though we don’t have all the information needed. It can be used in business, leadership, navigating career and making other challenging life choices.
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How hard is it to learn and implement The Curly Approach?
Like any capability, mastering The Curly Approach takes practice. However, most people can learn the foundational elements within 2 to 3 days and see results immediately.
What if I have a critical complex problem and don’t have time to learn the Curly Approach, can I still use it?
Yes. If you engage Kate Christiansen, she will design and lead the conversations for you, so you can focus on exploring the answers. It is also possible to learn the foundations of The Curly Approach while applying them to a real challenge.
How do I know if The Curly Approach is right for me and/or my team?
The Curly Approach involves retraining our brain and challenging some of the thinking habits we’ve developed over a lifetime. It works our mental muscles in a way that may feel a little strange at first. If you are open to trying an approach that is refreshingly different, then it’s worth checking out.
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The Curly Approach is definitely not for you if you want to maintain status-quo thinking, stick with what you know and avoid change in the hope that it will go away.
How do I learn more?
Kate Christiansen’s book Curly Conversations for Teams provides an accessible introduction to the concepts behind The Curly Way. Sign up for Curly, Calm and Curious Newsletter. Check out these Curly Case Studies.
hear kate talk more about the curly approach here: