The Myth About Vulnerability

"Vulnerability is the essence of connection and the birthplace of innovation. Without it, there is no real understanding or meaningful human interaction."

- Brené Brown

Many of us believe that vulnerability is a weakness in the workplace. There’s a history of awarding stoicism and the ability to remove all emotions from decision making. What some of us may come to realize, is that before we are leaders, we are human beings first. Which means we are emotional beings.

People may think that showing vulnerability makes them appear incompetent, unreliable, or emotionally unstable. However, research shows that vulnerability is not a weakness and is crucial in the workplace. In fact, vulnerability as a leader can be ideal for the modern workplace and can lead to more productive behaviour.

Vulnerability is the willingness to be open and transparent about one's thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It involves acknowledging one's weaknesses, mistakes, and limitations. A lot of times, people don’t want to share their inner most thoughts because they fear being judged or rejected. However, cultivating a brave space where team members are able to share honestly can foster deeper connections and more authentic relationships. This means more trust, less assumptions and the ability to set realistic deadlines.

Setting realistic deadlines tends to become a challenge for teams because everyone wants to put on a front that they can handle their currently workload despite changes and adjustments being made on the fly. If your team ever seems overwhelmed, you might not have a culture that promotes honest communication, collaboration, and more importantly, creativity. When people feel safe to express their ideas and opinions, they are more likely to contribute to the team and share their unique perspectives. Leaders who are willing to be vulnerable can create an environment of trust and authenticity, which can lead to increased engagement and productivity.

Vulnerability as a leader involves being open and honest with team members about one's own experiences, struggles, and uncertainties. When leaders are willing to share their vulnerabilities, it can create a sense of empathy and understanding among team members. This can lead to better communication, more effective problem-solving, and increased resilience in the face of challenges.

In the modern workplace, where authenticity and transparency are highly valued, leaders who show vulnerability can be seen as more relatable and trustworthy. They are more likely to connect with team members on a deeper level and inspire them to work towards a common goal.

Vulnerability is not a weakness and is crucial in the workplace. Leaders who show vulnerability can create an environment of trust and authenticity, which can lead to better communication, collaboration, and creativity. In the modern workplace, vulnerability as a leader is ideal because it can make them more relatable, trustworthy, and inspiring. By embracing vulnerability, leaders can create a workplace that is irresistible and potently alluring to their team members.