“I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.”– Albert Einstein.

I recently stumbled upon the term CQ—Curiosity Quotient. Yes, CQ, not IQ or EQ. Ironically, my own curiosity led me to look further into this concept. People in professional circles have talked a lot about growth mindsets and exponential growth. But one often overlooked concept is how important CQ is in project management.

Curiosity as a Key competency in Project Management Most successful project experts and organizations know that curiosity is essential. It pushes us to look beyond the surface level, question norms, and discover innovative solutions. When you mix it with a high Passion Quotient (PQ)—how much you love and care about your work—curiosity turns into lasting drive and focus.

Project professionals with high CQ and PQ are in a better position to identify risks, find opportunities, and
motivate their teams. Their inquisitive nature promotes ongoing learning and flexibility, while their enthusiasm guarantees drive atin the face of challenges. Combining these two traits results in a powerful catalyst for personal development and project success.

CQ and Innovation in Project Management

A curiosity mindset is a key ingredient for innovation. Many breakthroughs from the microwave oven invention to the Agile methodology- bringing it closer to home, came from someone wondering, “What if?” and “How can we do things better?”. For project managers in today’s digital era, having a high CQ is pivotal. It aids in solving complex problems, embracing change and new approaches, and implementing best practices to improve project delivery.

Flexibility and Adding Value

CQ makes you more adaptable and flexible, helping project managers and professionals deal with uncertainty and quickly adapt to new environments and unique projects. While it is known that IQ and EQ are important, CQ is just as crucial. And the good news? It can be developed. Boosting your Curiosity Quotient

• Ask questions- Be inquisitive about the “why” and “how” behind processes.
• Read more- Explore diverse topics to broaden your perspective.
• Find inspiration and pursue mentorship- Learn from others who embody curiosity in their work.

And in the words of Albert Einstein- “I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.” Curiosity is our
superpower and therefore it is important to make a conscious effort to develop our CQ allowing us to explore, innovate, and drive success in our projects and organizations.