Vulnerability in LeadershipParaugs

The impact of vulnerability in leadership

The question is, what do we do with our intrinsic vulnerability? We already have it; the issue is how we handle it deep within our skin, and when interacting with others. Also, how can we identify areas of vulnerability and learn to manage them in the context of our leadership?

Vulnerability for a leader implies exposing self and opening up to collaborators or followers, as a consequence of being authentic. Vulnerability is the free and full expression that arises from a strengthened character, from the search to live out Biblical values ​​to the fullest in our daily life, and from the awareness that by intentionally opening ourselves up to others we are prone to make ourselves known just as we are, to learn from the environment, to see the effect of our reality in others, and to forge a better understanding of ourselves. When I am vulnerable, I grow. And I grow because I dare to verify my imperfect internal reality with the cruelty of the environment, in search of matching the essence of who I am with the interpretation that others have of me.

It is not about being vulnerable for purposes of manipulation, but for the sake of authenticity. Vulnerability has more to do with humility, authenticity, and, above all, accessibility to the imperfect reality of the leader. While vulnerability is a great mechanism for connecting with others, it requires letting go of yourself. It is being able to put yourself at risk. That is why it is important to open up and show vulnerability at the right time, in the right way, and in a proper relational context.

Amy C. Edmondson and Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic say, "Leaders need vulnerability, not bravado." There they highlight that employees feel much better when their leaders are honest and nearby, when they focus on helping the organization move forward, instead of focusing on themselves and creating a false sense of invincibility that actually ends up hurting everyone.

To reflect: Leaders open their vulnerability first, in order to grow together with their collaborators.