Thankfully those times have passed and we now value qualities in our leaders such as humility, authenticity, and vulnerability.
In her book ‘Dare to Lead,’ Brene Brown asserts that leaders should face vulnerability by engaging in life, dedicating themselves to their goals and having the courage to face their fears and the uncertainty of the future. Brown explains that by facing our fears, we lead in more creative and innovative ways rather than making the mistake of putting up defences.
We can draw from this that a vulnerable leader has an open mind and is able to experience ups and downs whilst confronting harsh realities head-on with confidence. In other words, they are open about the challenges whilst remaining optimistic about the outcomes that can be achieved together. This sets a leadership tone of valuing good transparent governance, creativity and innovation, and risk-taking.
A vulnerable leader courageously navigates uncertainty whilst maintaining a healthy and inclusive environment conducive to learning and growth. There is no façade of perfectionism or hiding behind the good news; they openly admit mistakes and adjust their strategies, embracing all the emotions that come with it.
A vulnerable leader seeks feedback and criticism and loves to have suggestions for improvement highlighted. By being vulnerable, they can be authentic in hearing what people are thinking without defensiveness. Sharing stories that embrace failure and learning are necessary parts of growth and is another way to show vulnerability.
Unfortunately, vulnerability is sometimes misunderstood. This can result in poor boundaries, oversharing and inadvertently creating a culture of self-pity. True vulnerability is about inspiring leadership and creating levels of understanding that build trust and enable the collective to become stronger.
To build your vulnerability ‘muscles’ start by honing your emotional and social intelligence, your change agility, and your ability to step out of your comfort zone. Uplift your personal values to focus on self-transcendence rather than enhancement.
