Why being “too nice” undermines exam performance

Candidates often try to be agreeable. In exams, this can undermine safety. Excessive accommodation may appear empathetic, but it can signal poor authority and risk avoidance.

“Professional kindness includes boundaries.” - A/Prof George Eskander

How over-accommodation loses marks

Candidates lose marks when they:

• avoid difficult conversations
• delay necessary escalation
• soften clear advice
• fail to challenge unsafe requests
• prioritise rapport over safety

Examiners assess whether candidates can lead safely.

What professional kindness looks like

Professional kindness involves:

• clear explanations
• respectful firmness
• safety-based decisions
• appropriate limits
• confident escalation

This reassures examiners that the candidate can practise independently.

Conclusion

Exams reward professionalism, not people-pleasing. Clear boundaries are a marker of safe clinical leadership.

Reference
Ginsburg S et al. The hidden curriculum: professionalism in clinical education. Medical Teacher. 2003.