In the Emmy-winning series Ted Lasso, one quote stands out as both simple and transformational: “Be curious, not judgmental.” It’s a mindset shift that applies beautifully to the recreation and experience industry, where leaders are constantly navigating guest needs, team dynamics, and fast-moving expectations.

Curiosity, at its core, invites understanding. Judgment shuts it down. And in a profession built on service, creativity, and community, choosing curiosity can change the way we lead; not just for ourselves, but for the people we serve every day.

Recreation is about people: how they learn, connect, play, and experience the world. To lead effectively, we must understand people deeply, and curiosity is the gateway to that understanding. When leaders stay curious, they:

Curiosity turns problems into opportunities for growth. Judgment turns them into reasons to shut down.

In recreation, whether running a resort, overseeing youth programs, or managing at sea, leaders work with diverse teams. Everyone comes with a different background, communication style, and level of experience. Being judgmental creates fear and silence. But being curious creates openness.

A curious leader asks:

This approach doesn’t just solve problems; it develops people. It builds a culture where staff feel valued, safe, and willing to speak up, which directly improves guest experience and operational excellence!

Guests notice the difference between a team that feels judged and a team that feels supported. When leaders model curiosity, team members become more attentive, more empathetic, and more willing to go the extra mile.

A curious staff member doesn’t just enforce rules; they ask questions, understand guest needs, and create memorable moments. And when guests feel understood rather than judged, they feel welcome. After all, we are seeking to make people feel something, not just provide a service. That’s how loyalty is built.

Recreation is an industry that never stops evolving. New activities, new technologies, and new trends appear constantly. The leaders who stay curious, who explore, experiment, and seek out ideas are the ones who bring fresh energy to their programs.

Judgment keeps us stuck in old habits. Curiosity pushes us to reimagine what recreation can be.

Ted Lasso reminds us that curiosity isn’t just a trait; it’s a leadership strategy. It encourages humility, strengthens relationships, and makes us better decision-makers. In recreation, it’s the difference between managing people and truly leading them.

So, the next time you’re faced with a challenge, a mistake, or a difficult conversation, take a breath and choose curiosity over judgment. Your team will feel it. Your guests will feel it. And your leadership will grow because of it.