The Investigator’s Compass
Traits That Build Trust
Print the Investigator’s Compass and tick the traits that describe your approach or aspire to develop.
Curiosity & Open-Mindedness
- I ask open-ended questions to understand perspectives – not just collect facts.
- I explore root causes without jumping to conclusions.
Compassionate Presence
- I create psychological safety, so people feel heard, not interrogated.
- I check in on emotional responses during interviews and adapt my tone accordingly.
Emotional Intelligence
- I notice body language, hesitation, and subtext to guide my approach.
- I manage my own reactions to stay neutral and present.
Method & Flexibility
- I follow a clear process but adjust it when nuance requires a tailored approach.
- I document thoroughly but never let tick-boxes override empathy.
Contextual Awareness
- I consider cultural, relational, and organisational factors in every case.
- I check for unconscious bias in my interpretations and recommendations.
Communication & Follow-Through
- I explain the process clearly to everyone involved, so expectations are transparent.
- I follow up respectfully, even when decisions are hard to hear.