Moving From Fear to Curiosity
If there was ever any doubt about the importance of a leader’s ability to respond to change and disruption, the events of 2020 made it clear. While crises of that scale may not happen every day, the pace of change has not slowed. What has become increasingly clear is that uncertainty is not the exception—it’s a constant. And in the face of this reality, one of the most valuable skills a leader can develop is the ability to shift from fear to curiosity.
Fear is a natural first response to uncertainty. The brain is wired to scan for threats, focus on what might go wrong, and avoid risks when things feel unstable. But staying in fear limits our decision-making. It stalls action and narrows our perspective. When we lead with curiosity, we create space for learning, stay open to new possibilities, and strengthen our ability to guide others.
The best leaders know they can’t eliminate all uncertainty. Instead, they focus on navigating it with steadiness and a mindset that looks for what can be learned in the moment, rather than what might go wrong. Shifting from fear to curiosity helps them stay grounded and guide others through the unknown with greater clarity and calm.
“If there’s one thing that’s certain in business, it’s uncertainty.”
Self-Assessment: Moving From Fear to Curiosity
Please take a few moments to answer the following self-reflection questions. Where can you identify opportunities for personal growth in your leadership?
How do I usually respond when things feel uncertain or unpredictable?
What emotions come up when I do not have clear answers?
When I feel unsure, do I pause and ask questions or try to push through quickly?
Do I make space for others to explore ideas when plans change?
How often do I focus on what could go wrong instead of what might be possible?
In moments of pressure, do I tend to narrow my focus or stay open to options?
What helps me stay calm and curious when the path forward is unclear?
How do I model curiosity and confidence for others during uncertain times?
Remember, this self-assessment is just a starting point for understanding Change as a leader. It's essential to reflect on your responses and actively work on areas where improvement is needed.
Curiosity is more than a helpful mindset. It is a leadership skill that can be practiced, especially in moments where answers are unclear and pressure is high.
When fear shows up, curiosity offers a different path. It creates space to think, to ask better questions, and to stay open rather than closing in on the familiar. Even small shifts in thinking can make a meaningful difference. Asking, What can we learn from this? or What is the next best step? helps leaders stay calm and keep momentum.
In uncertain moments, your team is watching what you model. When you pause instead of react, when you ask questions instead of rushing to conclusions, you create a sense of stability. Sharing what you know, being honest about what is still unclear, and inviting others into the process builds trust and keeps people engaged.
Over time, this kind of leadership shapes how teams respond to uncertainty. It encourages a culture where learning is more important than having the perfect plan, and where movement forward matters more than immediate certainty.
Curiosity is not about solving everything at once. It is about creating enough space for progress, even when clarity is still unfolding.
“Let go of certainty. The opposite isn’t uncertainty. It’s openness, curiosity and a willingness to embrace paradox, rather than choose up sides. The ultimate challenge is to accept ourselves exactly as we are, but never stop trying to learn and grow.”
Scenario: A Missed Opportunity
Alex oversees a field crew responsible for coordinating vendors and keeping a project on schedule. Halfway through the job, a key supplier announces unexpected delays due to new shipping restrictions. The team is already stretched, and now materials may not arrive on time.
Alex, trying to keep things moving, brushes off the update and tells the team not to worry about it. They continue planning as if everything will stay on track. No one asks further questions, and no backup plan is discussed.
A week later, the delay becomes real. The team has to stop work, reschedule tasks, and scramble to adjust timelines. Tension grows, and frustration sets in. And not because the delay happened, but because no one was prepared for it.
By trying to push through the uncertainty instead of creating space to ask, “What do we need to understand here?” Alex missed the chance to lead with curiosity and help the team navigate the challenge together.
What Might You Do Differently?
What did Alex overlook in this situation?
How could curiosity have changed the outcome?
Have I ever rushed past uncertainty to keep things on schedule? What happened?
What would a better response look like in a similar situation?
Uncertainty is an uncomfortable place for anyone to be. However, when you take a thoughtful approach and stay open to learning, you can create momentum even when things are unclear. The best leaders do not wait for perfect clarity. They lead with curiosity, and they help others do the same. Here are some practical ways to build that mindset and apply it to your day-to-day leadership.
Slow Down Before You React: When something unexpected happens, give yourself a moment to pause. Notice your first instinct and ask yourself if there is more to learn. Staying curious helps you avoid jumping to conclusions or reacting out of fear.
Break Uncertainty Into Smaller Parts: Big, unclear situations can feel overwhelming. Start by asking a few questions. What do we know? What do we need to learn? What can we act on now? Taking it one step at a time makes uncertainty more manageable.
Move Forward With What You Know: Even when the full picture is not clear, you can still take action. Use what you have learned, make a thoughtful decision, and stay flexible as things unfold. Progress builds clarity.
Shift From Fear to Curiosity: Fear tends to focus on what might go wrong. Curiosity opens the door to what might be possible. When you find yourself stuck in worry, try asking a new question. What can I learn from this? What options have we not explored yet?
Focus on What You Can Control: It is easy to feel stuck when you think about everything you cannot control. Shift your attention to what you can change: your mindset, your choices, your communication. That is where real movement begins.
Take Imperfect Action: Leaders often feel pressure to get everything right. But waiting for the perfect solution can slow progress. Make the best choice you can with the information you have, and adjust as needed. Learning happens along the way.
Practice in Low-Stakes Situations: You can build confidence with uncertainty by practicing in everyday moments. Try something new at work. Make a decision without overthinking. Step into a challenge you would normally avoid. Small risks build the skill and mindset you will need when the stakes are higher.
Leading through uncertainty is not about having all the answers. It is about staying open while clarity is still forming and helping others do the same. This shift from fear to curiosity is one of the clearest signs of a growth mindset.
Curiosity helps us meet change with possibility instead of panic. It creates space to think, learn, and move forward even when the path is not fully clear. The more we choose curiosity, the more confident and adaptable we become—both as leaders and as teams. In the next session, we will explore what it means to find your stretch zone. We will look at how to challenge yourself without becoming overwhelmed, and how to support others in doing the same.
Reflection Questions:
1. When faced with an unexpected challenge, do I tend to seek immediate answers, or do I pause to explore and understand the situation more deeply?
2. How comfortable am I with not having all the answers? Do I see uncertainty as a threat or an opportunity to learn?
3. In what ways do I encourage my team to ask questions and explore new ideas, especially when outcomes are unclear?
4. Can I recall a recent situation where leading with curiosity led to a better outcome than if I had reacted out of fear or urgency?
To push your understanding of Moving from Fear to Curiosity to the next level, explore these valuable resources. They’ll help expand your skills and provide essential tools for building strong leadership.
90 Second Leadership - Leading Through Uncertainty (2:13)
Todd Adkins