There Is No True Leadership Without Vulnerability: Why Vulnerability Belongs in the Workplace

Have you ever felt disconnected from the people you lead, or worked with a boss who instilled fear rather than inspiration? Maybe you find yourself exhausted by the need to put on a façade at work, straying from your authentic self and affecting other aspects of your life. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of vulnerability and why it is essential in the workplace.

What is vulnerability?

Even though the image of vulnerability has shifted, there is still a lot of work to be done. I cannot talk about vulnerability without giving flowers and recognition to Dr. Brené Brown, an author and researcher, who has spent the past two decades studying vulnerability. Dr. Brown says that vulnerability is both at the core of shame, fear, and the struggle for worthiness and the birthplace of joy, creativity, and belonging. 

It’s easy for vulnerability to get a bad rap because the dictionary so eloquently defines it as “capable of being physically or emotionally wounded or open to attack.”  Understandably so, my first inclination is to shrink and run the other way when I hear wounded or open to attack. 

Dr. Brown’s definition covers both the beauty and ugliness of vulnerability. It’s raw. It’s real and it’s a necessary feeling or experience of our human condition. Vulnerability helps to create and sustain connection and connection gives meaning to our lives.

Being vulnerable means being authentic, truthful about your feelings and who you are, and allowing yourself to be seen by others. As a leader, it’s important, and yes can be quite scary, to allow yourself to be seen. 

What are the misconceptions surrounding vulnerability in the workplace?

Vulnerability is often misunderstood and, as a result, shunned from the workplace. It is perceived as a sign of weakness or submission, causing leaders and employees alike to avoid displaying vulnerability. As a leader, you don’t want to be taken advantage of or not taken seriously and lose authority. As an employee, you don’t want to be seen differently, taken off of projects, or unfairly treated. This avoidance sets the tone for the entire team, hindering open communication, trust, and understanding.

One common misconception about vulnerability is that it involves oversharing personal details. In the workplace, vulnerability is about creating safety, open dialogue, trust, and understanding, rather than intimacy. It's okay not to delve deep into personal matters and share your innermost thoughts, but it's important to be open about how you feel and what might be impacting your work.

For example, as a boss, you don’t need to know the juicy details of your employee’s romantic life, but you can be curious about how someone is doing outside of work. 

Why is it important to be vulnerable as a leader and in the workplace?

Courage and Authenticity: Embracing vulnerability takes immense courage. It means shedding the mask of authority and being true to yourself, imperfections and all. As a leader, this authenticity encourages your team to be open and inspired to do the same.

Building Trust and Strengthening Relationships: Vulnerability fosters trust and helps strengthen relationships. Your employees want to feel seen and understood, and when you open up, they are more likely to do the same.

Self-Awareness and Compassion: Embracing vulnerability leads to increased self-awareness and compassion, making you a more empathetic leader and improving your connections with your team.

Fostering Creativity and Innovation: When employees feel safe to be authentic, they can tap into their full potential, fostering creativity and innovation within the workplace.

Encouraging Collaboration and Dedication: A culture of vulnerability promotes collaboration and inspires employees to dedicate themselves to projects they are passionate about.

Impact on Personal Life: Vulnerability doesn't end at the workplace. Embracing vulnerability positively affects all areas of life, enhancing personal relationships, health, and overall well-being.

How does embracing vulnerability help you become a better leader?

To create a workplace that embraces vulnerability, start with yourself as a leader. Shed the fear of being perceived as weak and realize that vulnerability is a strength. Be honest about your mistakes, ask for help when needed, delegate tasks, and genuinely care about your team members.

Vulnerability is a crucial aspect of leadership and should find its place in the workplace. By being authentic and open, leaders can foster trust, creativity, and collaboration, resulting in a more engaged and inspired team. Embracing vulnerability not only impacts your professional life but also enhances your personal relationships and overall well-being. I encourage you to welcome vulnerability in the workplace and create a space where everyone can thrive as their authentic selves.

Watch Brené Brown’s “The Power of Vulnerability” TED TALK.

Want to welcome more vulnerability in your life? Schedule a free discovery call here.

I offer leadership coaching and corporate workshops. Email me at hello@shainamcgregor.com to learn more or check out my coaching or wellness programming pages.

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