Today, leaders must navigate an environment defined by continual change. AI is reshaping how work is performed and elevating expectations for the value that both leaders and professionals create. Client expectations continue to evolve, too. Talent shortages, economic pressures, and an accelerating pace of innovation require leaders to make decisions with incomplete information and adapt more quickly than ever before. There is no playbook for leading through this unprecedented level of change. The leaders who have the greatest impact aren’t those who act as though they have it all figured out; they’re the ones who create trust by leading with authenticity, humility, and vulnerability.
The strongest leaders are willing to admit they don’t have all the answers, ask thoughtful questions, listen before they speak, and invite others into the solution. Rather than projecting absolute certainty, they lean into conveying transparency and accountability. Leading with vulnerability isn’t a liability in uncertain times. It amplifies many of the behaviors that distinguish exceptional leaders. Here are three ways vulnerability strengthens leadership and creates lasting influence.
Creates Relatability
Many times, I have heard the person most likely to win an election is the one people most want to have a beer with. They are a real person that you can talk to and have an open exchange with. We want to see transparency in our leaders to understand their integrity and intent; when we can witness a person’s motives and moral compass in action, we can better gauge our allegiance to that leader.
In your next team meeting or coaching discussion, share an area where you struggled and have overcome. Whether it’s a story about learning how to become a networker and drive new business, or getting comfortable speaking in front of a board meeting. Your team will recognize you also had to work to become as skilled as you are.
Exhibits Courage
Courage is an attribute we can easily identify as an asset in a leader. When we think of courage, we see it as an absence of fear or being tough, but courage is also a willingness to reveal vulnerabilities. Vulnerability paired with courage fosters a space for “productive failure” according to Brene Brown author of “Dare to Lead,” meaning we learn from the failure and that knowledge becomes an asset. Now, more than ever, organizations are focused on driving innovation. Leaders who demonstrate vulnerability and don’t penalize their teams for taking risks and demonstrating courage through innovation will be seen as true leaders and winners.
Listens to Build Trust
No one knows everything. Yet many times, we feel that as advisors and experts, we should have all the answers, but tremendous trust is built when you “listen first” according to Stephen M. R. Covey. There is also the famous quote by Theodore Roosevelt, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” One fundamental way to demonstrate that you care is to listen.
People always want to be heard, especially in times of uncertainty. But stopping to listen, gathering all the facts and possibly saying “I don’t know but I’ll find out” can make us feel vulnerable or feel like we are ill-prepared. Yet your vulnerable honesty and commitment to find possible solutions reinforces the reason to place trust in you. Demonstrating behaviors like listening and transparency create trust which will be the ultimate dividend.
Set a goal to share your thoughts and opinions after your team members do in your next meeting. Let them know you are going to do this so you can hear their points of view, and they don’t worry about why you are not speaking up first.
Vulnerability is an attribute that enables many of our other leadership skills to shine. Like any strength, though, it can become a weakness when over-used. Practice it with intentionality and balance honesty with over-sharing. Share who you are and what you’ve learned. Tell stories of challenge, growth, and transformation that inspire others to believe they can do the same. Be the leader who helps others see their potential and confidently navigate uncertainty alongside you.
Warm Regards,
Samantha
Originally published on April 24, 2020, on ConvergenceCoaching® Inspired Ideas blog and updated as of this blog post.
