In the high-stakes, knowledge-driven world of medicine, we’re taught from day one to project an aura of certainty. From the anatomy lab to the hospital wards, the message is clear: know the answers, lead with confidence, and never let them see you sweat. But what if that fixation on “knowing” is holding us back? What if the very traits we’ve been trained to cultivate—the resolute certainty, the surgical precision, the relentless drive to be right—are sabotaging our ability to grow, learn, and communicate across differences?
Enter civil discourse: A powerful leadership skill that can reignite the spark of curiosity that first drew us to this field. At its core, civil discourse is about engaging with respect, humility, and a genuine willingness to understand—even when we disagree. It’s not about “winning” arguments or avoiding discomfort; it’s about leaning into challenging conversations with open minds and open hearts.
When we embrace civil discourse, something profound happens. We become more attuned to the nuances and complexities inherent in the health care challenges we face such as issues of racial equity, gender identity, reproductive health, and systems of power. These aren’t easy topics, and for many faculty and students, the stakes are high. Feedback is scrutinized, words are weighed, and misunderstandings can quickly escalate. But avoidance isn’t the answer. Growth requires friction.
This is why we need to choose learning over knowing. When we root our identity in being correct, we become fragile in the face of new information. But when we root our identity in curiosity, we can evolve. New information is not a threat; it’s an opportunity for growth. We can say, “I hadn’t thought of it that way,” and mean it. We can change our minds without feeling like we’ve lost ourselves.
Psychological safety is essential to this shift—and providing it is how leaders make civil discourse possible. People need to know that their questions won’t be punished, that mistakes are part of the process, and that feedback is meant to support and not shame. Without psychological safety, civil discourse doesn’t stand a chance. But when safety is present, dialogue flourishes. Inclusivity grows. Trust deepens.
We all need to practice the skills that support civil discourse:
- Active listening
- Perspective taking
- Seeking common ground
These aren’t “soft” skills—they’re survival skills in a health care system strained by burnout, misinformation, and polarization. When we listen well, we build bridges. When we reflect on shared values, we find connection. When we make room for ambiguity, we make room for each other.
Civil discourse isn’t a luxury. It’s a clinical competency, an educational imperative, and a leadership responsibility. It’s how we teach students to wrestle with the complexity inherent to our work. It’s how we create environments where disagreement leads to discovery, rather than division.
So let’s be brave enough to shift. Let’s model what it looks like to say, “That’s a great point. Tell me more.” Let’s create spaces where curiosity is contagious, where learners and leaders alike are invited to reflect, rethink, and reconnect. In a field obsessed with answers, civil discourse reminds us that asking questions matters too.
Lauren Weber, MD, is a cardiologist and co-founder and director, All Levels Leadership. Jess Bunin, MD, is a critical care physician and cofounder, All Levels Leadership.
All Levels Leadership is a physician-led health care leadership development firm dedicated to empowering professionals across the career spectrum. With a foundation in clinical care, academia, and governance, the organization delivers customized coaching, mentorship, and training programs that foster resilience, well-being, and leadership excellence. All Levels Leadership has presented nationally and internationally at events hosted by the American College of Physicians, the International Conference on Residency Education, and the Society of Critical Care Medicine. Committed to advancing inclusive and transparent cultures, the firm helps individuals and teams lead with clarity and purpose. Explore their programs and services at alllevelsleadership.com, and connect with them on LinkedIn. To read more about their work, including recent podcasts and publications, visit their podcasts and publications.
