Put Curious George on the conference table; live in curiosity, stay out of judgment.

technique — attributed to Dr. Wayne Pernell

Pernell places a stuffed Curious George at the head of the conference table. Someone always asks what is with the monkey. Pernell replies it is not just a monkey. Eventually someone names him Curious George. The exchange opens a conversation about a working agreement. If we find ourselves in judgment, we need to start asking questions. When you live in curiosity, you stay out of judgment. The technique is operationally small and structurally clever. A visible reminder of curiosity sits on the table for the rest of the engagement. Whenever the room slips into judgment, anyone can gesture toward George without having to deliver a lecture. The cue does the work.

For executive coaches, facilitators, and team leaders running multi-session engagements. The technique is most useful when the team has a pattern of slipping into judgmental modes and needs a low-friction reminder.

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