The significant role vulnerability plays in leadership

Leaders should always be strong, confident, and decisive. At least that’s the way people used to believe leaders should be. But in today’s business environment, that type of leadership just isn’t effective. In fact, it probably never was. Back when leaders led using autocratic tactics that made their teams afraid of them, it led to poor morale and it stalled creativity. That’s not the type of company I want to run.

In fact, more and more research shows that vulnerability is a powerful tool for effective leadership. It may seem scary to consider being vulnerable to people you oversee; after all, the term literally means “being susceptible to harm.” But it can also show your humanity, which builds trust and shows your authenticity. And this type of environment creates a company that teams are committed to. Here’s what allowing yourself to be vulnerable can do within your company.

How many times have you really opened up and let people see something raw and real? If you haven’t done that, I get it — it’s hard work to let your guard down. But if you’re willing to share moments where you’ve stumbled or struggled, it can be game changing for your team.

Leaders who are willing to share are laying the groundwork for a more open and trusting environment for their team. It shows you’re invested in creating a space where your team can do the same. Your team will feel more connected because they’ll see that even the person leading them can have challenges, failures, and weaknesses. It creates an invitation to reciprocate and encourages empathy — and it helps us relate to each other in ways that can help us share more openly and work together to meet our goals.

Have you ever had a boss who acted as an almighty decision-maker, sitting at the top and seeming completely unapproachable? So many of us have. And that doesn’t help create perceptions of someone being the type of boss who wants to share in human connection. But when you share the vulnerabilities you’ve had in your life, it reveals our authentic selves and fosters a deeper connection with those around you.

Relatable leaders can inspire loyalty and commitment from their team. It’s because sharing our fears and imperfections shows that, despite any differences we may have, we all experience similar emotions and challenges. By allowing yourself to show weakness, you’re growing stronger bonds with those who can now see the humanity we all share. And that’s a beautiful thing.  

I’ve obviously made mistakes in my career. We wouldn’t be human if we weren’t making mistakes regularly. So why are we sometimes so worried about sharing when we’ve made them? The fact of the matter is this: when leaders are willing to admit their mistakes and seek input from others, it can lead to better decision-making.

When anyone on your team acknowledges their limitations or uncertainties, it creates an environment where honest discussions can happen — and even thrive. This type of openness can allow for a thorough examination of options. People feel safer to voice concerns, ask questions, and offer new ideas without fear of judgment. And this leads to more informed, creative, and robust decisions being made. As Brené Brown said in her 2010 TED Talk, The Power of Vulnerability, “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.”

Resilience, that ability to withstand difficulty in our lives, doesn’t come easy for everyone. But when you allow yourself to show your vulnerability, it builds your emotional intelligence. It is emotional intelligence that helps deal with conflict effectively, stay calm under pressure, and more.

Just as important, when you share your own vulnerabilities, your team will see that perfection isn’t the goal in your business. They can openly talk about their own weaknesses and setbacks, which builds a foundation of self-awareness and authenticity with those around them, too. They will more easily navigate adversity or challenges. They will seek support and collaboration, which will continue to build up your team. Your entire business will become even stronger because of it.

Sharing those vulnerable pieces of yourself isn’t easy, and it’s certainly not something you should start doing overnight. But you can make it happen. A few things you can do include the following:

Being a vulnerable leader is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of strength. When leaders are willing to be vulnerable, they create a more positive and productive work environment for their team members, which will lead to a better workplace for everyone.

Do you have tips about vulnerability? I’d love to hear them! Feel free to share them in the comments below.

Jim Allen is a business leader and entrepreneur who has built one of the top-producing real estate groups in the Triangle. He is President of The Jim Allen Group, which is consistently named one of the top real estate teams in North Carolina and even North America.