As a kid, I wanted to be an architect. More specifically, I wanted to be an architect designing homes in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright.
I told my mom. (My mom loves architecture - and Frank Lloyd Wright)
My mom signed me up for an architecture course for kids at a local community college. I learned about different classical styles of architecture and some basic ideas about drafting. Then, I started drafting my own ideas.
I created floor plans, exteriors, and I tried to do landscaping - I was awful at that.
One time I showed my mom what I produced and she asked, "Well where are you going to put the plumbing? How are you going to run electricity?"
As a kid, how was I supposed to know? I wasn't. But, at that moment, I was given the choice to find out.
You can create space for curiosity by giving people what they need to be curious - a question. And not just any question, a question that requires a journey.
I never became an architect. But much of what I learned about design and drafting complimented my passion for music composition and engraving which complimented my work as a recruiter which complimented my work designing digital customer experience which complimented...
You get the point.
Never underestimate the value you can bringing someone by asking a generous question. The one that motivates them to start their journey.