Monday Madness
Monday Madness: TRUST What You’re Willing to Unlearn
“It takes curiosity to learn. It takes courage to unlearn. Learning requires the humility to admit what you don’t know today. Unlearning requires the integrity to admit that you were wrong yesterday.” — Adam Grant
How do those words resonate with you?
Before rushing into another week, pause.
-Take a deep breath in…
-Exhale slowly…
-Again…
-Breathe in… and release.
Now ask yourself:
What am I still holding onto simply because I’ve always believed it?
Growth isn’t only about adding new knowledge. Sometimes growth requires examining an old assumption, releasing a familiar narrative, or becoming curious about a perspective different from our own.
And that requires TRUST.
Trust in yourself enough to say, “I don’t know.” Trust others enough to listen without immediately defending your position. Trust the learning process enough to discover that something you once believed may no longer serve you.
From a coaching perspective, curiosity creates space for awareness. Awareness creates choice. And intentional choice creates the possibility for sustainable growth.
The International Coaching Federation identifies curiosity, openness, flexibility, trust and awareness as important elements of effective coaching. In leadership, those same practices can help us create environments where people feel safe enough to question assumptions, contribute different perspectives, and learn together. (ICF)
Research on adaptability similarly points to self-awareness, reflection, curiosity and openness to changing our mindset as important capabilities in navigating uncertainty and change. (McKinsey & Company)
Consider This
For yourself:
What belief, assumption, or habit might you need to become curious about rather than defend?
What have you learned recently that caused you to rethink something you once believed was true?
For your team:
What might we need to unlearn in order to work, communicate, or lead more effectively?
What would become possible if people on our team felt safe enough to say,
“I may have gotten that wrong”?
Today’s Challenge
Start the conversation.
Choose one assumption you are willing to examine this week.
Listen before defending. Ask before assuming. Get curious before becoming certain.
For leaders, this matters.
Trust is strengthened when people experience openness, respect, transparency, and space to contribute their perspectives—not when leaders are expected to have every answer.
ICF’s current competencies likewise connect trust and safety with openness, transparency, respect, and supporting others’ perspectives. (ICF)
In an environment filled with uncertainty, rapid change, and competing perspectives, we don’t have to agree on everything to remain curious about one another.
Sometimes the next level of growth isn’t learning something new—it’s trusting yourself enough to release something old.
You got this!
Coach Tavia, PCC, MEd, MAT
References
International Coaching Federation — 2025 ICF Core Competencies Review the ICF Core Competencies
International Coaching Federation — Criteria for Assessing PCC Credential Explore PCC Coaching Standards
McKinsey & Company — Future Proof: Solving the Adaptability Paradox for the Long Term Read the McKinsey article
Harvard Business Review — Research: When—and Why—Employee Curiosity Annoys Managers Read the HBR article
#Trust #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #Curiosity #SelfAwareness #GrowthMindset #PsychologicalSafety #LeadershipCoaching #ProfessionalDevelopment #ICFCoaching
Tavia Robinson
EMPOWER COACHING & CONSULTING, LLC
732.743.5012
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