How to be a vulnerable leader

Taken in the context of leadership, specifically within the workplace, how does vulnerability make one a better leader? This article will explore how to be a vulnerable leader.

For the past few years, Brene Brown has been talking about vulnerability. Brown declares that: “Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable.”

Vulnerability isn’t something that should necessarily be planned. After all, is it really being vulnerable if you come to your Monday meeting with your canned vulnerability story? Something I’ve always appreciated from coworkers and supervisors  is learning something about them I didn’t know before, like a personal struggle they went through or are currently going through. Far from wondering whether the person is fit to lead, it forces me instead to reflect on how I can better connect with them.

This is something that people in leadership positions often miss: vulnerability shows that you are human and people will do better work for people they can relate to and respect. In fact, economists and other researchers have often show the direct link between happiness and how well someone works. Respect is not, nor has it ever been, something that you get just because of a title.

So what does vulnerability look like in the workplace?

1. Responsibility

How many times have you heard about a supervisor or leader who makes a mistake and then blames an employee rather than taking responsibility? In those cases, did their employees’ respect for that leader diminish or increase? Toxicity invariably follows this kind of behaviour. So, when you screw up, own up. It’s easy to be a great leader when you’re firing on all cylinders. Strong leaders are amazing even when they stumble because they are strong enough to admit mistakes and confident enough to learn from them.

2. Humour

Humour shows that you aren’t all work and no play and some well-timed humility shows people that you value more things in life than just work. Humour is ultimately rooted in people and when you make an effort to be funny, you show people that you value them and that you also don’t take yourself too seriously. It’s an often overlooked attribute of great leaders.

3. Empathy

When someone is going through a difficult time, either at work or at home, don’t just think about the impact that it might have on you, or a business. Really take time to listen and to understand what it might be like to go through something similar. Letting someone know that you have gone through something similar, or that you’re simply available to help if you can, shows tremendous vulnerability. People don’t forget leaders who empathize.

So, rather than worry endlessly about what people will think (it’s almost as if you can’t control that), remember that humans like humans they feel are actually human. After all, no one trusts a robot that never makes mistakes, jokes and is oblivious to others emotions.

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