Do you really have to be vulnerable to be a leader?
Yes.
If you want people to trust you, buy into your vision, and engage with you. But know what vulnerability is and what it isn’t.
Vulnerability is not: bringing weakness and problems to your team, lowering your standards, abandoning mental toughness, showy expressions of emotions, or saying everything you think and feel.
Vulnerability is about being open with your team in the words and actions of:
- Your Vision. People need to know why the work you are doing is important to you.
- Your Values. They need to know what standards you will hold yourself accountable to.
- Your Requests. Your team needs to know they are needed and valued for their contribution.
- Your Mistakes. No one will think less of you when you admit you are wrong, apologize, and show sincere commitment to do better.
- Your Imperfections. No one’s perfect. Be open to see blind spots and be willing to do something about them.
- Your Warmth. Take the time to show you care through kindness and genuine interest. If you don’t care, give up the mantle of leadership.
- Your Courage. Courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s showing people that you are committed to overcome it.
