A magnifying glass with the words Curiosity and Discovery

By which we mean: Embracing new thinking and innovation in a spirit of open minded collaboration that positively impacts on ourselves, our University, our city, society and the world.

  • We innovate and solve problems together
  • We lead by influence and example
  • We engage with lifelong learning and personal development​
  • We learn from our mistakes

Curiosity and Discovery behaviours - Everyone

  • I take a flexible approach, adapting rapidly to new circumstances and ways of working  
  • I develop creative solutions to address problems  
  • I value diversity of inputs, abilities and ideas and having my own viewpoint challenged  
  • I constructively challenge the status quo, striving for continuous improvement  
  • I identify ways to do things more efficiently or better  
  • I am reflective, learn from mistakes and seek to develop myself  
  • I actively seek ideas from outside the organisation (industry, partners…)  

Curiosity and Discovery behaviours - Managers

An organogram on a blue background

  • I recognise the potential barriers to change and identify ways in which these might be minimised  
  • I explore new ways of working and overcome resistance through involvement, demonstrating the overall benefits  
  • I encourage others to identify improvements to systems and services and to take these forward  
  • I talk positively to others about the potential benefits of change  
  • I encourage people to try new ways of working and be creative  
  • I understand people’s fear of change and support those who find it difficult to adapt  

Curiosity and Discovery behaviours - Senior leaders

Three people sat at a table on a blue background

  • I anticipate and adapt to the challenges of a constantly changing environment  
  • I seek new ways to solve existing and emerging challenges  
  • I promote a culture of innovation and creativity, encouraging new ways of thinking  
  • I constructively challenge the status quo, striving for continuous improvement  
  • I look for more effective ways to do things at lower cost  
  • I am receptive to challenge and feedback, continually seek to improve my own  

What does Curiosity and Discovery look like at the University of Glasgow?

Wordcloud featuring: research grants in very large font, and then smaller: financial management, course/teaching development, service development, systems/software development, process development, strategy development, public engagement, lab management, events, construction/estate maintenance, research delivery, business development.

Case study - Project Management Community

Formed in 2020, our Project Management Community of Practice brings together colleagues interested in joining up to explore and share new knowledge. Read more