Building curiosity is an art. It’s what makes people lean in, wonder what’s next, and stay engaged. As a leader, mastering the balance of predictability and novelty is critical for keeping employees, teams, and even stakeholders intrigued and motivated.
This idea isn’t new—it’s rooted in the psychological appeal of intermittent rewards. When done well, “the chase” becomes a dynamic tool for creating excitement, loyalty, and long-term engagement. Here’s how leaders can leverage this principle to inspire their teams and cultivate a culture of curiosity.
The Science Behind the Chase
Psychologists have long known the power of intermittent rewards—those unexpected moments when something delightful happens. Think about why slot machines are so addictive. It’s not the guaranteed payouts that keep players hooked—it’s the unpredictable wins.
This principle applies far beyond casinos. When people don’t know exactly what to expect, they pay closer attention and invest more energy. For leaders, creating this sense of anticipation can keep teams engaged, motivated, and eager to contribute.
Balancing Predictability and Novelty
Too much predictability can lead to complacency. Too much novelty can feel chaotic. The key is striking the right balance to keep people interested without overwhelming them.
Predictability Builds Trust
Consistency creates a sense of reliability. Employees need to know their efforts will be recognized, their voices heard, and their work valued. Without this foundation, even the most exciting surprises will feel hollow.
Novelty Sparks Engagement
Once trust is established, introducing novelty can spark curiosity and excitement. This might mean offering fresh challenges, exploring new approaches to problem-solving, or encouraging experimentation within safe boundaries. These moments of novelty keep your team energized and looking forward to what’s next.
Applying the Chase in Leadership
Surprise with Recognition Unexpected praise or rewards can reignite motivation and boost morale. Instead of routine acknowledgment, surprise your team with a thoughtful note, an unanticipated day off, or a celebratory shoutout during a meeting. These small, unexpected gestures show genuine appreciation.
Introduce Dynamic Challenges Share clear goals, but occasionally shake things up with stretch objectives or new responsibilities. This keeps work from becoming stagnant and allows team members to discover hidden talents and skills.
Create Anticipation Share just enough information to pique curiosity during team meetings or project discussions. For example, preview an upcoming initiative without revealing all the details. Build excitement by allowing your team to wonder what’s coming next.
Encourage Exploration Foster a culture where experimenting and thinking outside the box are celebrated. Encourage team members to tackle problems with innovative solutions, even if the path forward is unconventional. Providing this freedom creates an environment where curiosity thrives.
Building Curiosity into Team Dynamics
Leaders can also embed the principles of “the chase” into team dynamics by fostering an environment where curiosity becomes a shared value. Here’s how:
Rotate Roles and Perspectives Give team members the chance to step into different roles or view projects from another perspective. This not only keeps work interesting but also fosters empathy and collaboration.
Make Space for Questions Create an atmosphere where questions are welcomed, not dismissed. Encourage team members to ask “What if?” and “Why not?” questions, helping to challenge assumptions and explore new possibilities.
Celebrate Progress, Not Just Results Recognize the effort and creativity behind a project, even if the outcome isn’t perfect. This reinforces the idea that exploration and innovation are valuable in themselves.
Why It Works
Intermittent rewards are powerful because they tap into human psychology. We’re wired to seek novelty, but we also crave the safety of structure. Leaders who master this balance don’t just keep their teams engaged—they build resilient, adaptive organizations where curiosity leads to sustained growth.
When you create a balance of trust and surprise, you build a sense of excitement that keeps people motivated. Teams feel energized by the challenge, confident in their leader’s vision, and eager to contribute to shared goals.
Curiosity is the fuel that drives innovation, engagement, and growth. By balancing predictability with novelty, leaders can create a culture where people stay intrigued, motivated, and committed to the mission. So go ahead: build intrigue, foster curiosity, and let “the chase” bring out the best in your team and your leadership.