Physician Leadership: Certainty is Comfortable. Curiosity is Powerful.
By Matt Kincaid, PhD
VP/Head of Coaching
The Referent Group
| Last week, I wrote about the power in the pause—the lost discipline that gives us space to be intentional and gain clarity. Expanding on that idea, this week is about what happens after that pause. The way we choose to move forward—toward certainty or toward curiosity—can significantly shape our outcomes as leaders. Certainty feels efficient. It gives us answers, control, and a sense of confidence, especially when we’ve paused and thought things through. But it can also close doors. Curiosity, on the other hand, invites others into the conversation and keeps us open longer. As Marilee Adams reminds us in her book, Change Your Questions, Change Your Life, the questions we ask shape what we see, how we listen, and ultimately how we lead. When we pause long enough to get curious—What might I be missing? What else could be true?—we create space for learning rather than defensiveness or unnecessary roadblocks. Even when you feel pressure for fast answers, try resisting the urge to lock in certainty too soon. The people you lead are usually well served when your first move is a question.
Leadership matters.
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Interested in developing your leadership skills, the Referent Group is hosting the “2026 Leadership Academy Conference,” September 24-25, 2026 in the Cleveland/Akron area.
The Referent Group is offering a discount price of $750 to LMS members, discount code GOVT500. Links for more information:
Online CME Courses for Personal and Professional Group
