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Unveiling the Power of Vulnerability in Leadership

By: Krissy Fuller

In the realm of leadership, there exists a potent yet often overlooked quality that has the potential to significantly impact workplace dynamics and foster a culture of trust, authenticity, and innovation.  What’s the quality?  Great question, I’m glad you asked.  The answer might surprise you – I’m hoping it doesn’t.  This quality is vulnerability – the willingness to show one’s true self, flaws and all, in the pursuit of genuine connection and growth.

Imagine a leader who is unafraid to admit mistakes, shares personal struggles, and expresses emotions openly?  What was your immediate thought?  Did you picture a leader crying because times were tough? Yelling because something didn’t launch on time?  I’m sure a few of you had an image pop up in your mind of what expressing emotions looks like – and if I were a betting woman (if you know me you can see the humor in that) I’m guessing it wasn’t a great image.  Here’s the thing – emotions aren’t inherently bad, and there’s a place for them in the workplace. (*within reason – I’m not saying to scream, berate, rage, hysterically cry during a meeting etc. in the name of vulnerability – we’re adults here, let’s act like it).  Leaders who embrace vulnerability, allow their team to humanize them as well as pave the way for deeper relationships and increased psychological safety within the organization.

When a leader demonstrates vulnerability, it’s a signal to the team that it is safe to be themselves, to make a mistake, to take risks without fear of judgment or retribution. When employees feel safe, they feel empowered to speak up, share ideas, and collaborate more effectively towards common goals. And do you know what happens next?  Creativity starts to flourish.  Teams start working together more cohesively, new ideas are brought to life, boundaries are pushed without fear of failure.  If you’ve been leading a company for a while – you know – boundaries are made to me stretched, risks pay off with great rewards, and a culture of experimentation and innovation will surely keep your company competitive in today’s fast-paced business landscape.

Vulnerability is not just a buzzword – it is a powerful tool that leaders can wield to transform workplace culture for the better. So go ahead – show your true self, lead with authenticity, and watch as your workplace culture thrives like never before.  Even if this feels uncomfortable for you – the upside of what your culture can gain.  Like anything else – start small – take a risk and see what ripples out of it.   Tell me how it goes – I’d love to hear!