The portrayal of an all-knowing leader is prevalent in mainstream culture; however, actual managers, executives, and founders seldom possess complete knowledge. In reality, individuals who claim to hold all the solutions often cultivate skepticism among their peers. Conversely, effective leaders guide others by exemplifying leadership rooted in vulnerability.
I distinctly remember the initial moment I adopted vulnerability in my role as a leader. Having just returned to Europe, I feared that our office might soon cease operations. We had seen several essential team members depart in a short period, and despite exceptional growth over five years, the organization was precariously positioned.
During one of my early team meetings, I found myself becoming emotional. Exhibiting feelings in front of colleagues was uncomfortable… almost alien. Yet, my transparency and candor were recognized as assets. They understood I wouldn’t mislead them if things were amiss. As a result, the company began to flourish.
Merging Vulnerability with Leadership
You might feel uneasy at the prospect of revealing your emotional side. It’s completely natural to hesitate to be open, even among individuals who appreciate the significance of vulnerability in leadership. Being transparent is not instinctive for everyone.
Demonstrating vulnerability necessitates a significant level of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and humility. You must be at ease with acknowledging errors and relying on your teammates. However, if you adopt this leadership approach, you’ll enjoy the advantages of a motivated and creative workforce.
Workers under approachable and authentic leaders feel empowered to pursue innovative ideas. They aren’t concerned about whether their suggestions are overly ambitious or silly, as they’ve witnessed that making mistakes is acceptable. This liberation fosters immense loyalty and productivity, aligning with the company’s broader objectives.
Another advantage of vulnerability in leadership is the psychological safety it cultivates. During times of uncertainty or crisis, teams under vulnerable leaders feel more anchored and capable of navigating challenges. As Harvard professor Amy Edmondson points out, leaders who practice genuine transparency nurture workplace cultures where shortcuts are avoided, individuals voice their opinions respectfully, and all team members feel a sense of belonging. In essence, vulnerable leadership motivates teams to engage thoughtfully and contribute because they recognize their value beyond being mere components in a machine.
Embracing Vulnerability in Leadership
Curious about how to harness vulnerability within your leadership style? Adhere to these guidelines to enhance your emotional intelligence and infuse authenticity into your organization:
1. Express your feelings instead of stating what you think others want to hear.
Did a recent setback leave you feeling anxious? Share your concerns with your team; chances are, they’re experiencing similar emotions. By acknowledging your fears, you level the playing field with your colleagues. Follow this by assertively stating, “Here’s our plan for addressing these fears.”
This opens the door for collaborative brainstorming to determine next steps. For instance, you might initiate a team-based brainstorming session encouraging group members to envision worst-case scenarios—but only briefly. Compile a list of potential disasters, then assess the probability of each occurring. Engaging in a rational discussion about what is most likely allows team members to step out of their fight-or-flight responses.
Keep in mind, this exercise is most effective when you identify the root cause of your discomfort and pair it with an action plan. You don’t need all the answers; just demonstrate enthusiasm, commitment, and a vocal desire to progress as a unit.
2. Share personal stories and experiences that have influenced you.
Have you reserved the notion that your personal life should remain private from your team? Avoid appearing enigmatic; instead, discuss the challenges that have molded you. For instance, I skipped a grade and faced bullying until I completed high school. This experience resulted in a long-standing battle with low self-confidence. Even now, I sometimes doubt myself due to events from my childhood.
Nonetheless, I haven’t allowed this issue to define me. I am learning from my history and focusing on my personal growth. The purpose of revealing your vulnerabilities isn’t to evoke pity; it’s to illustrate your humanity and to remind your team that personal growth requires time and diligence.
If the idea of opening up feels uncomfortable, begin by sharing your interests outside of work. You don’t need to divulge every detail, but occasionally sharing can foster openness. Try discussing hobbies like taking music lessons or reading personal development literature. Aim to bring your team closer into your inner circle.
3. Request assistance.
Do you delegate tasks? Be mindful of your wording. Saying “please do this” has a different connotation than saying “could you assist me with this?” The former is more authoritative, while the latter invites collaboration and shows respect for your colleague’s capabilities.
Although this may seem like a trivial distinction, rephrasing requests to emphasize collaboration can transform your colleagues’ perception of their duties from trivial to significant. Moreover, the future leaders around you will emulate your sincere, vulnerable approach.
In this context, ensure that when you do seek help, you accept it graciously. Suppose you’re grappling with a challenging task you can’t resolve. Share what strides you’ve made so far, and then invite a colleague’s insights. They may offer a fresh perspective and additional cognitive support. When your teammate provides possible solutions, engage with genuine interest and gratitude. Even if their suggestions aren’t immediately applicable, they might prove useful down the line.
The significance of vulnerability in leadership cannot be overstated. You’ll be surprised at how embracing openness without compromising authority can transform and invigorate your team.
