Dare to Show Your Humanity as a Leader

Leadership used to be about showing power and poise. Now, true leadership means letting down the armor and stepping into the arena with vulnerability, authenticity, and openness.

Summary

Leaders face an unspoken expectation to be infallible and stoic, but research and modern workplace demands tell a different story: effective leadership is rooted in vulnerability and humanity.

Showing humanity isn’t about oversharing; it’s about removing the mask of perfection and building a foundation of trust that empowers teams to do the same.

For so long, I tried to fit this cookie-cutter definition of a strong leader... Now, I’ve realized that being a leader means having the courage to say, 'I don’t know,' or 'I’m not sure,' because that’s real. - Whitney Wolfe Herd, CEO of Bumble

Why It Matters

Leaders who reveal their humanity and embrace vulnerability inspire trust and resilience in their teams.

According to research from Harvard Business School, leaders who are vulnerable are more relatable and trusted by their teams, creating stronger connections that lead to higher engagement and productivity.

Vulnerability has been shown to significantly impact performance, as teams with leaders who demonstrate authenticity are more willing to take risks and learn from failures rather than hide them.

Psychologist and author Brené Brown highlights that vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but a powerful tool. She emphasizes that:

Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.

When leaders show vulnerability, teams feel empowered to embrace setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures.

The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership

Making Space for Real Connections

When leaders share their own challenges and hard-earned lessons, they create a safe space where team members feel they can do the same.

Instead of simply being seen as the “boss,” leaders become allies, creating a dynamic where everyone can speak freely and openly.

As a leader, you have to let people know you’re real. When they see that you’re also dealing with challenges, it builds a connection. Vulnerability is what builds real, lasting relationships. - Mark Benioff, CEO of Salesforce

Normalizing Growth Through Adversity

Sharing moments of difficulty or mistakes—whether about a project that went awry or personal lessons learned—demonstrates that setbacks are not only acceptable but a natural part of growth.

According to a Stanford University study on growth mindset, teams are more willing to take initiative and accept challenges when they see their leaders openly navigate obstacles (Dweck).

Building Authenticity Over Perfection

Perfection is an illusion, yet many leaders strive to project it. Leaders who openly acknowledge their imperfections cultivate a sense of authenticity that deepens trust.

Research from Harvard Business Review highlights that leaders who balance competence with authenticity are more likely to inspire loyalty.

The insight? Imperfect leaders who acknowledge their own need to learn are viewed as credible and relatable, which, in turn, enhances morale.

Leaders must be willing to show vulnerability. It's about having the confidence to say, 'I need help' or 'I don’t have all the answers,' which creates a safe space for others to do the same. - Arianna Huffington, Founder and CEO of Thrive Global

Empowering Teams to Show Up Fully

Vulnerable leaders empower team members to bring their whole selves to work.

Sharing personal stories or lessons learned without fearing judgment can reduce workplace anxiety and increase psychological safety.

Amy Edmondson of Harvard Business School underscores that teams in psychologically safe environments are more productive and creative because they feel free to speak up without fear of embarrassment or punishment.

Leaders who model vulnerability create a safe zone where ideas can flourish.

I think people are inspired by vulnerability...When leaders show they are human and open about their challenges, it’s easier for others to take risks and be honest. - Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb

Strengthening Resilience Through Shared Humanity

Leaders who share their journey of overcoming obstacles inspire resilience.

According to a study by The American Psychological Association, employees report higher resilience and satisfaction when they feel connected to leaders who demonstrate similar qualities.

When leaders talk about bouncing back from setbacks, it reinforces the message that resilience is key to long-term success.

How to Apply It

Lead with Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is foundational. Start by understanding your own strengths and areas for growth.

According to Harvard Business Review, leaders who are honest with themselves about their abilities and limits are better equipped to model vulnerability effectively.

Regularly identify moments where you can show openness without undermining confidence.

Share Personal Stories

Without oversharing, thoughtfully share stories of challenges or mistakes you’ve encountered that led to personal or professional growth.

This not only humanizes you but encourages a culture of openness. For example, if you’ve experienced a career setback, discuss how you overcame it and what you learned.

Stanford Graduate School of Business emphasizes that storytelling is a powerful way to connect with teams on an emotional level, making leaders more relatable

Foster Psychological Safety

Psychological safety allows your team to confidently speak up, try new ideas, and even fail.

Create a space where taking calculated risks is celebrated, even when the outcome isn’t ideal.

When teams feel safe to take risks, they’re more creative, resilient, and collaborative (Edmondson). Reinforce this by regularly acknowledging efforts and risks taken by team members, not just the outcomes.

Ask for and Act on Feedback

Inviting feedback is a powerful way to show that you value your team’s insights.

Regularly ask for feedback on your leadership style or a recent decision, and when possible, act on it.

According to Gallup, employees who see their feedback implemented report higher engagement and trust levels. Following through on suggestions demonstrates respect for your team’s input and shows that leadership is a shared journey.

Embrace Accountability

Show your humanity by owning up to mistakes in front of your team and discussing how you plan to address them.

Accountability builds integrity. Leaders who openly admit their missteps inspire a culture where mistakes are seen as growth opportunities rather than failures.

Encourage your team to approach their own stumbles with the same mindset.

Bottom Line

Vulnerability is about stepping into leadership and connecting with others through shared experiences of growth and imperfection.

When leaders dare to show their humanity, they create workplaces where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to show up fully.

Being vulnerable is a requirement for being a good leader...If you're comfortable showing vulnerability, people will follow you because they know you’re real. - Tim Cook, CEO of Apple