A Philosophy Forged Over Two Decades
Shankar Murali, an Engineering Analyst Manager in Google's Trust & Safety division, recently marked 20 years with the company, a journey that started with its early, smaller operations in India. In a recent reflection on his career, which has spanned
roles from ad policy and webspam to counterfeit operations and payment security, Murali shared several leadership lessons. Central to his success and his advice for others is a simple but powerful principle: stay curious and embrace continuous learning. For Murali, curiosity isn't a passive trait but an active pursuit that has been critical for navigating the constant evolution of products, problems, and leadership styles at a company defined by change.
More Than Just Asking Questions
The curiosity Murali champions goes beyond a surface-level interest. It is a foundational mindset for growth. In today's workplace, where new technologies and best practices constantly emerge, a thirst for knowledge is what separates those who adapt and thrive from those who stagnate. This type of intellectual curiosity encourages you to seek solutions rather than accept the status quo, transforming challenges into learning opportunities. It’s about asking not just “what?” but “why?” and “how can this be better?” This mindset is crucial for innovation and problem-solving, skills that are highly valued by employers. Murali’s career path, which saw him move across diverse and complex teams, demonstrates the power of following one's curiosity into new and challenging territories.
Curiosity as a Leadership Tool
Murali’s advice also positions curiosity as a cornerstone of effective leadership. One of his key lessons is that leadership begins with listening, not immediately providing answers. By simply listening when a team member brings a problem, a leader creates the space for that person to think through the challenge and often arrive at their own solution. This approach fosters independence and critical thinking within a team. Curious leaders ask better questions, listen more deeply, and make space for possibilities others might overlook. They lead with a humility that acknowledges they don’t have all the answers, a trait that is far more valuable in a fast-changing world than rigid expertise. Murali’s principle is clear: knowledge shared is the only knowledge that scales.
Building Your Curiosity Muscle
Cultivating curiosity is an actionable strategy, not an innate talent. It begins with small, intentional shifts in your daily work. Start by asking more questions in meetings, especially about things you assume you already know. Take time to understand the work of colleagues in other departments and how your roles intersect. Dedicate a small part of your week to reading about trends or new skills outside your immediate job description. Following your curiosity can reinfuse your work with meaning and protect against burnout by inviting you to see what you haven't yet seen. As Murali's career shows, embracing change and welcoming new problems are habits that can be developed, and they are fueled by a relentless desire to learn.
