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Writer's pictureKenneth Chai

Vulnerability in Leadership is a Strength

Vulnerability is not a weakness in leadership, but a strength. By cultivating vulnerability in your leadership style, you can create a more authentic, supportive, and effective work environment for yourself and your team members.



Introduction


As a leader, vulnerability is not always seen as a desirable quality. The traditional view of leadership is often associated with strength, decisiveness, and confidence. It can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking that you need to have all the answers and always project an image of strength and invincibility. After all, you want to inspire confidence in your team and reassure them that you are in control.


How vulnerability can help leaders


What many leaders fail to realise is that vulnerability can actually be a powerful tool for leadership.


#1: It shows you are human


When you are vulnerable with your team, it shows that you are not an infallible, all-knowing leader, but rather a human being with fears, insecurities, and flaws just like everyone else. Vulnerability does not mean weakness. Rather, it is a sign of strength and courage to be willing to admit your imperfections. This can help your team feel more comfortable around you and more willing to share their own vulnerabilities and struggles.


#2: It fosters trust and respect


When you are open and honest about your own weaknesses and mistakes, it can help your team see you as more trustworthy and relatable. They will appreciate your honesty and be more likely to follow your lead because they know you are not just trying to project a false sense of perfection.


One study by Brené Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, found that leaders who exhibited vulnerability were perceived as more authentic and trustworthy by their employees. In her book "Dare to Lead," Brown states that "vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change."


#3: It helps create a safe space for employees


When you are open and honest about your own vulnerabilities, you create a safe space for your people to do the same. This leads to greater psychological safety within the team. According to a research by Google, psychological safety is the most important factor in high-performing teams. In fact, teams with high psychological safety outperform those with low psychological safety by 5 times (Google, 2015). Therefore, by being vulnerable, you can create a more supportive and productive work environment.


#4: It promotes better communication and problem-solving


When you show vulnerability, it can encourage others to do the same. This can create a supportive environment where people feel comfortable sharing their own experiences and ideas. This fosters a culture of openness and collaboration, and can lead to more effective solutions when solving problems.


#5: It improves decision-making


When you are vulnerable, you are more likely to seek out different perspectives and opinions. This leads to a more inclusive decision-making process and better outcomes. According to a study by Harvard Business Review, teams with diverse perspectives make better decisions than those with homogeneous perspectives (HBR, 2016). By embracing vulnerability, you can create an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and considered.


#6: It promotes growth and development


When you are willing to admit your mistakes and shortcomings, it shows that you are open to learning and growing as a leader. This can inspire the team to do the same and foster a culture of continuous improvement and development.


#7: It improves employee productivity and organisational profitability


When you are vulnerable, you show that you care about your team members on a personal level. This can lead to a greater sense of purpose and belonging among your team. According to a study by Gallup, teams with engaged employees have 21% higher profitability (Gallup, 2017). Besides that, according to a study by the Harvard Business Review, employees who work for leaders who exhibit vulnerability are more likely to feel connected to their work, and are less likely to leave their jobs. Improved employee retention and productivity will lead to organisational profitability.


What can leaders do to cultivate vulnerability in their leadership style?


Tip #1: Share your own struggles and challenges


Leaders who are willing to share their own experiences of failure, uncertainty, or self-doubt can create a culture of empathy and understanding, and can build trust with their team members.


Tip #2: Listen actively and show empathy


When team members come to you with their own struggles or challenges, take the time to listen actively and respond with empathy. This shows that you value their perspectives and experiences, and can help to create a more supportive and collaborative work environment.


Tip #3: Admit your mistakes and apologise when necessary


Leaders who are willing to admit their own mistakes and take responsibility for their actions can create a culture of accountability and growth. This can also help to build trust with team members, who will appreciate your honesty and integrity.


Tip #4: Create a culture of psychological safety


Encourage team members to share their opinions and perspectives without fear of retaliation or criticism.


Tip #5: Practice empathy


Show empathy towards team members who share their vulnerabilities and seek to understand their perspective.


Conclusion


Vulnerability is not a weakness in leadership, but a strength. By cultivating vulnerability in your leadership style, you can create a more authentic, supportive, and effective work environment for yourself and your team members. As Brené Brown states, "vulnerability is the core of all emotions and feelings. To feel is to be vulnerable. To believe vulnerability is weakness is to believe that feeling is weakness." Let us embrace vulnerability in our leadership style and create a better future for ourselves and our teams.



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