6 Ways for Leaders to Show up With More Vulnerability at Work

Leaders play an important role in any organization. They guide their teams, make decisions, and help everyone work together smoothly. But being a great leader isn't just about giving orders or making plans. It's also about being vulnerable, which means being open and honest, even when it's hard.

Here's a Reminder of Why Vulnerability Matters:

Builds Trust: When leaders are open and honest, team members feel they can trust them. Trust is like glue that holds the team together. When people trust each other, they work better together and support each other.

Encourages Honesty: If a leader is willing to share their thoughts and feelings, it makes others feel safe to do the same. This means team members are more likely to speak up, share ideas, and admit when they need help.

Shows Humility: Vulnerable leaders show that they don't have all the answers and are still learning. This makes them more relatable and approachable. Team members are more comfortable coming to leaders who seem like real people.

Creates Stronger Connections: Sharing experiences and emotions helps leaders connect with their team on a deeper level. These connections can make the workplace feel more like a community.

How to Be More Vulnerable at Work:

1. Share Your Story: Talk about your own experiences, both successes and failures. When you make a mistake, share what happened and what you learned from it. This shows that it's okay to make mistakes and that learning from them is important.

2. Admit When You Don't Know: It's okay to say, "I don't know the answer to that, but I'll find out." This shows that you're honest and willing to learn, just like everyone else. Please stop with the "fake it until you make it" mentality. It's not relatable.

Remember to follow up with your team member, regardless if you got the answer or not.

3. Ask for Feedback: Encourage team members to give you feedback. Ask questions like, "How can I support you better?" or "What can I do to improve?" This shows that you value their opinions and are open to making changes.

Bonus points here if you realize an area you can make small changes and actually act on the feedback.

4. Show Your Feelings: If you're excited, happy, or even a little worried, share those feelings with your team. This helps them understand you better and makes it easier for them to share their feelings too.

A great start here is to reflect on your feelings for an event that has happened and how you were feeling throughout. It can be easier to share you were a little nervous or apprehensive and then gathered information or facts and were able to see it through and have a good experience in the end.

5. Listen Actively: When someone is talking to you, really listen. Put away distractions and focus on what they're saying. This shows that you care about their thoughts and feelings.

Your team members might feel like they are taking up too much of your time as it is, make sure it's known that they are a priority to you by your body language and words.

6. Be Open to Help: Let team members help you when you need it. This could be for a big project or just some advice. Accepting help shows that everyone, even leaders, can benefit from the support of others.

When you recognize that your plate is getting too full, who are the team members who can help you?

Being vulnerable might seem scary at first, but it helps create a positive and supportive work environment. When leaders are open and honest, it encourages the whole team to be the same. This leads to better communication, stronger relationships, and a more successful team. So, start practicing vulnerability today and watch your team thrive!

If you enjoy these articles, please follow Nichole Harrop on LinkedIn.

Nichole is offering ongoing leadership development cohorts, so if you've never gone through a coaching program focused on soft skill development, you will find value. Nichole has had people go through her program with over 20 years experience and they have all raved with their positive feedback.

The Future Leaders Program is aimed at high performers who are preparing for a future people leadership role. She helps to prepare them now so when you're ready to promote them, they'll have a seamless experience stepping into that role.

Check out the details of the program and when upcoming cohort dates are available.