Leading with vulnerability: What does it mean?
??Carl Shawn Watkins ??
Aspiring Attorney - Attorney Brand Advisor committed to authentic legal leadership. "Empowering attorneys to transform their brands with vulnerability and authenticity. Author-in-progress. "Ask Mr. Vulnerability ?
Leading with vulnerability: what does it mean?
Vulnerability is an essential component of leadership. It is vital because it allows us to see ourselves as exactly who we are, without the titles and the duties. It brings out the humane side of the professional. It allows us to connect with others, build trust, and open up.
The leaders must be vulnerable at times in a strong relationship – it’s a two-way street! When we’re vulnerable, we’re more likely to be open to others and share our thoughts and feelings. Ultimately, this creates a stronger leadership team.However, managers and leaders are more likely than the rest to hesitate in being vulnerable.
Primarily due to the misunderstanding of vulnerability as a weakness. Additionally, due to the stigma attached to it, people are not comfortable with accepting vulnerability.
Lead by example
If you want your team to be comfortable in being vulnerable, then you have to create a culture that embraces it. This means having open conversations about what is going on in our lives and not being afraid to show weakness.
It’s okay for us as leaders to admit that we are struggling too! When we show courage in this way, it inspires our employees to do the same. Moreover, it creates a trust-based environment in which they can feel safe to share their ideas and concerns.
This is where true collaboration takes place! When we can lead with vulnerability, we open ourselves up to receive feedback and improve our skills. And most importantly, we create a resilient team in the face of stress and challenges, which is the hallmark of a?great leader .
There’s no one answer to this question.
Every person experiences vulnerability in different ways and for various reasons. However, there are some general characteristics that vulnerability typically has: it is open, honest, and courageous. When we think of vulnerability as a leadership trait, these qualities come into play.
Openness means sharing your feelings and emotions with your team, positive or negative. Honesty means being authentic – telling them the truth as you see it without sugarcoating anything. And courage means taking risks even if they might feel uncomfortable or risky at first glance. All of these qualities are important for leaders because they help build trust.
Once your team trusts you, they’re more likely to open up to you and share their ideas. And when they do that, they can see themselves in a new light – as capable creators instead of just followers. Too often, leaders are afraid of being vulnerable. They believe that being open and vulnerable will put them at risk. However, this is not the case. In fact, vulnerability is one of the essential qualities of a leader.
When we are vulnerable, we are more likely to be?open to feedback ?and constructive criticism. We also let others see our faults and weaknesses. This makes us likable and trustworthy, two essential leadership qualities. As we open ourselves up to others, we learn and grow. Most importantly, we appear human.
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This is why vulnerability is so critical in leadership.
Leadership includes being vulnerable. This involves taking risks, showing your vulnerabilities to others, and allowing them to see your vulnerabilities to build trust and relationships.
By being vulnerable, leaders and managers can build relationships of trust, which are essential for effective leadership. In addition, being vulnerable allows leaders and managers to identify and solve problems more effectively. So, if you want to learn more about leading effectively, explore more here!
Open yourself to the possibility of?#vulnerability
Tell your story.
Share your journey.
Have the courage to be?#vulnerable .
To discover more about how?Carl Shawn Watkins Consulting, LLC ?can be there for you and the lawyers in your law firm.
Here’s how:
1. Clarity Session
2. Goal Casting Strategy Session
3. Implementation ~ Plan of Action
4. Unveiling the finished journey
Head of Business Relations at Eccoci - Easy transition for consultants coming to work in Sweden || #LinkedInNewsEurope Contributor || Job Market Adviser || Sustainability & Inclusion Advocate || Mother of 2 ????
1 年Tapping into your vulnerability as a leader and then leading by example is so important ??Carl Shawn Watkins ??
Insurance Service Representative | Commercial Lines Insurance Assistant Account Manager | Risk Analyst | Commercial Analyst | Underwriting Associate
1 年When leaders are willing to be vulnerable, they can help to create a more open and honest environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their own struggles and challenges, ??Carl Shawn Watkins ??
Enthusiasm Ignitor??Self-Doubt Eraser??Confidence & Cognitive Behavior Coach & Consultant??-International Speaker??- Writer ?? With Emphasis in Empowerment & Leadership??
1 年The more you allow your own vulnerability the more it becomes a healthy place for you to grow. When your teams see your growth, they will allow themselves to be vulnerable.
"Partnering to Elevate Your Organization’s Visibility. Content Creator | Influencer |Social media Marketing Expert| Top-100 Thought Leader (2024) | Strategic Communicator"
1 年Nice content. Vulnerability is the courage to be honest about our weaknesses and imperfections, allowing us to connect more deeply with ourselves and others. It is a path towards greater self-awareness, growth, and resilience. ??Carl Shawn Watkins ??
Operations Manager | Business Developer | Fostering Business growth by building trusted Client Relationships
1 年Well done my friend