Introduction to Vulnerability

We’ve all heard it, or perhaps even said it ourselves, a time or two when emotions are high, and things seem to all be going astray, half serious or half-joking ” Is Mercury in Retrograde again,” or “It must be a full moon.” And although sometimes you’ll get a laugh in response or a nod of agreement, what would happen if we showed a bit of vulnerability instead of making the joke?

For example, if I am late to a meeting and I walk in apologetically, noting that my calendar is back to back, blah blah blah, there is a collective eye roll. What if I was honest and a little vulnerable and said something more like, “I am so sorry I’m late. My insert here (toddler, dog, husband) had a meltdown as I was heading out the door, so I needed a minute to gather myself before walking into this meeting.”

The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership

In leadership, vulnerability is often viewed as a weakness—a quality to be hidden or disguised in favor of strength and stoicism. But what if vulnerability was viewed as not only a strength but also a powerful tool for building trust, fostering connection, and inspiring greatness in others? The real strength of vulnerability is choosing it rather than making a joke about being ruled by the moon’s phase or the alignment of the planets.

As someone who has navigated the complexities of leadership firsthand, I’ve come to understand the transformative power of vulnerability. It’s not about baring your soul or airing your insecurities for all to see; rather, it’s about having the courage to show up authentically, admit when you don’t have all the answers, and be open and honest about your fears and/or shortcomings.

Creating a Culture of Trust and Connection

When leaders embrace vulnerability, they create a safe space for their teams and colleagues to do the same. By leading authentically and transparently, they build trust and psychological safety, empowering their team members to speak up, take risks, and bring their whole selves to work.

But vulnerability isn’t just about sharing our struggles; it’s also about celebrating our successes and expressing gratitude for the contributions of others. When leaders are willing to show vulnerability by acknowledging their own limitations and expressing appreciation for the efforts of their team members, they create a culture of recognition and appreciation that motivates and inspires.

Vulnerability in leadership is not a one-way street – it’s a two-way exchange. When leaders demonstrate vulnerability, they invite reciprocity from their team members, creating a dynamic of openness, empathy, and mutual support. This fosters deeper connections and stronger relationships, the foundation of high-performing teams and thriving organizations.

Vulnerability in Action

Vulnerability can look different for everyone, and one of the most relatable experiences the world saw collectively was during COVID-19 when we were all suddenly working from home; how many interrupted meetings with small children was initially a shock and embarrassment. I even recall seeing a viral video of a news anchor whose children walked in the background.

Another example I experienced was when my boss and CEO told me he would be late to an important employee happy hour event. He embarrassingly shared with me that he needed the 1 hour in the gym to process his stress from the day/week; he needed it more today than most to show up engaged and ready to socialize with employees at our fiscal year-end celebration. He was expecting me to be surprised or disappointed in him, and when I was supportive and understanding, there was an inaudible exhale of relief. Knowing he would be late allowed me not to panic as the event started, wondering where he was and when he would arrive to address the employees.

Later, I was rewarded when the same male executive spoke at our women’s affinity group at a lunch event and shared this story. Explaining to a room full of women that he prioritized his health and mental health also granted that room full of female professionals permission to prioritize self-care and its importance in our personal and professional lives. The CEO earned lots of brownie points that day with his female colleagues.

Embracing Vulnerability in Leadership

In my journey as a leader, I’ve experienced firsthand the profound impact of vulnerability on team dynamics and organizational culture. By embracing vulnerability, I’ve built deeper connections with my team members, fostered a culture of trust and collaboration, and unlocked the full potential of our collective talents.

I think what is most challenging for many to grasp is vulnerability doesn’t have to be sharing your deepest, darkest secrets with an entire organization; it can be something simple like admitting you need an hour at the gym to destress from the day to help you show up as your best self to a happy hour to chat and celebrate with employees.
So, to all the leaders out there, I encourage you to embrace vulnerability as a superpower—a tool for building trust, fostering connection, and inspiring greatness in yourself and others. Dare to show up authentically, lead with courage and compassion, and create a workplace where vulnerability is not only accepted but celebrated.<

Vulnerability as a Superpower

It was impossible to miss that yesterday was a solar eclipse, and for many, the spectacular event could not be seen due to clouds and storms. For what it’s worth, I understand Mercury is currently in retrograde, and all that means is that even the planets have moments of vulnerability!

If you are ready to embrace vulnerability as a superpower in your leadership journey share your experiences, insights, and challenges with vulnerability in leadership in the comments below. Let’s inspire and support each other as we strive to create workplaces where vulnerability is not only accepted but celebrated.

#LeadWithVulnerability #LeadershipJourney #ChooseAuthenticity #MercuryIsn’tAlwaysInRetrograde