Great leaders balance confidence with curiosity

After years of experience, hard-won successes, and the occasional battle scar, it’s easy to feel like you should have all the answers. You are, as they politely say, seasoned.

And yet, the best leaders I know hold two seemingly contradictory truths at the same time:

1️: They trust their expertise – the instincts built over years, the strategic calls they’ve made, the lessons they’ve learned.

2️: They stay deeply curious – knowing that leadership is never about having all the answers, but about knowing the right questions to ask.

Confidence without curiosity can make you rigid. Curiosity without confidence can make you hesitant. The magic is in the balance.

👉 You can walk into a room knowing you’ve seen this kind of challenge before - while also recognising that the world changes, industries evolve, and there’s always something new to learn.

👉 You can back yourself in a tough decision - while also inviting fresh perspectives and being willing to change course when new information emerges.

👉 You can be seen as a leader - while still showing the humility to say, “Tell me more. I hadn’t considered that.”

The best professionals I coach don’t see learning as a sign of weakness. They see it as the competitive advantage it is. Because the moment you stop learning is the moment you start falling behind.

How do you balance confidence and curiosity in your leadership? Would love to hear your thoughts.

Until next week, take care of yourself and others

Madeleine

I help accomplished professionals untangle difficult career questions so they can thrive in work and life.

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