The Value of Workplace Curiosity

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Many people approach work with a "clock in, clock out" mindset. While this might get the job done, it limits personal and professional growth. You may become highly proficient in your current role, but what you truly need is experience that prepares you for the next one. Developing curiosity about different roles can expand your skill set and open new career opportunities.

Exploring other roles broadens your understanding of the organization. Observing how different teams and departments function helps you see the bigger picture, while understanding cross-functional collaboration improves teamwork and efficiency. This, in turn, enhances your own job performance. Exposure to different roles provides valuable insights that can strengthen your current work, offering fresh perspectives and problem-solving strategies. Ultimately, this creates career growth opportunities—having a diverse skill set makes you more adaptable to change, and familiarity with adjacent roles increases your eligibility for promotions or lateral moves.

For project managers, in particular, there are key areas worth exploring:

First, product management. Project and product managers are often confused by others, yet their roles are distinct. A project manager focuses on scope, time, and budget, while a product manager is deeply attuned to the product itself, understanding what users need and want. Learning how product managers define vision, strategy, and execution will clarify the relationship between these roles and strengthen your own ability to manage projects effectively.

Second, Agile, Scrum, and Lean methodologies. Take advantage of any training opportunities in these areas. Being Agile-savvy enhances your ability to manage projects efficiently and respond to changing business needs.

Third, release management. Work closely with a release manager to observe their planning and execution process. Understanding release cycles can prepare you for roles that require coordination with engineering and QA teams. Recently, I came across a job posting that required project managers to have some release management experience, and I nearly kicked myself for not taking full advantage of past opportunities to learn from release managers.

Fourth, other adjacent roles. Consider how business analysts gather requirements, how data analysts contribute to project success, or how client feedback informs continuous improvement. These are the types of questions you should be asking—rather than simply going through the motions of your daily role.

Of course, curiosity alone isn’t enough—you need a plan to put it into practice. Here’s how:

  • Schedule informal coffee chats with people in different roles. Ask thoughtful questions about their work and challenges.
  • Volunteer for cross-functional projects to gain hands-on experience and collaborate with new teams.
  • Take advantage of training and learning resources. Many teams have budgets for training, and companies often offer internal learning opportunities. Seek out online courses, webinars, or certifications in adjacent fields.

In conclusion, curiosity at work isn't just about learning—it's about future-proofing your career. By exploring other roles while fulfilling your current responsibilities, you position yourself for new opportunities and greater professional value. Take the initiative to learn beyond your job description—you never know where it might lead.

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