Leading Change Through Vulnerability

Dear Leader,

Starting a new week with a leading perspective, TYIL aims to raise leaders who will be transformational change agents across every sector in Africa. We're excited about the possibilities and growth that this month will bring. Thank you for being a part of our community.

Here Comes Our Study For This Week

On the importance of leading change through Vulnerability, it indeed helps to?increase growth, empathy, and trust, enabling a team to reach its full potential.

According to Forbes, in a society where vulnerability is typically associated with negative connotations, we should reconsider the essence of great leadership: the bravery to lead with vulnerability. Leaders must recognise that vulnerability is an essential component of leading with confidence and authenticity. It is critical to recognise when you don't have all the answers or when something isn't operating as intended, and to accept responsibility for such mistakes.

Here are three (3) L's we can use to lead change through Vulnerability in March?and beyond.

Listening: Have you ever been in a situation where your boss is talking to you and you are not concentrating on what he is saying? What will he/she do to you? Definitely, he/she would scold or question why you have not been attentive, and he or she would also not really trust you with the information being passed along to you. Let us switch it to ourselves, leaders. When we talk to our team, whether it's to receive feedback or to give feedback, active and open listening is crucial for building trust and fostering a culture of responsible vulnerability.

Learning:?Recognising your limitations and seeking help when necessary is a critical component of leading with vulnerability. If you find yourself outside your area of expertise, don’t shy away from soliciting your team’s input or advice. Learn from them when you need to. This type of proactive involvement not only shows appreciation for their abilities and knowledge but may also boost their confidence and overall engagement with the team. This strategy converts vulnerability from a perceived weakness into a powerful instrument for developing trust, shared accountability, and a culture of mutual support. Personally, it also makes me more teachable.

Loving: This involves fostering genuine care, compassion, and empathy towards team members and stakeholders. Love-driven leaders prioritise the well-being and growth of their team members, creating a supportive environment where they feel valued and empowered. They demonstrate empathy by understanding their team members' emotions, perspectives, and experiences and communicating with kindness and respect. Love-driven leaders build trust and connection within teams, celebrate diversity and inclusion, and foster a culture of support and collaboration. They encourage vulnerability by creating a safe space for team members to share their thoughts and ideas openly. Love-driven leaders invest in their team members' growth and development, supporting their full potential.

A Question for You

How are you vulnerable as a leader?

By Emmanuel Arowesan (TYIL COmmunications Lead)

Best Regards,