There is no room for vulnerability in leadership.
Claire Russell
Head Hobnobber, CEO, Speaker, Creator of Mental Health Programs - breaking down barriers in Workplace Mental Health
I have spoken with a number of business leaders recently about vulnerability.
I was surprised by their responses- basically:
"There is no room for vulnerability in leadership".
This perspective could not be more wrong.
Vulnerability can seem out of place in the work environment and in leadership - but it really is powerful resource; and it can impact positively on the entire culture of an organisation. Why is that? Well, vulnerability - and authenticity; are the keys to human and social connection. Human connection is something that is often missing within the workplace. Maybe it is seen as weakness? Vulnerability is not weakness- it is the courage to be authentic, to be yourself, to share honestly.
Vulnerability can help to create the conditions for courage, it can increase creativity and productivity; and it is an attribute that should be encouraged and nurtured, in ourselves, in others and in our businesses.
I believe vulnerability is the key to better leadership.
Giving some thought to how we can bring vulnerability in to leadership, I have looked to my absolute hero- Brené Brown. Dr Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston. For over 20 years she has studied vulnerability, shame, courage and empathy - and she is the author of best selling books: The Gifts of Imperfection, Daring Greatly, Rising Strong and Braving the Wilderness- which I am currently reading. Her latest book, Dare to Lead, is next on my reading list and is the culmination of a study on courage and leadership over 7 years.
Brené describes vulnerability as emotional exposure, uncertainty and risk. If you think about it- good leadership requires all of those things too. My favourite quote of Brené’s, on leadership, is this:
“We desperately need more leaders who are committed to courageous, wholehearted leadership and who are self-aware enough to lead from their hearts, rather than unevolved leaders who lead from hurt and fear.”
If she is right, and I believe she is, then vulnerable leaders are by far the most courageous.
Great leaders inspire; they take risks; they find the potential in people and have the courage to develop that potential. To see a person's true potential you have to truly see them, all of who they are - and be willing to be seen yourself.
Still think there is no room for vulnerability in leadership? I don’t.
What do you think?
Are you willing to show up, to be seen, to take risks, to ‘Dare Greatly’?
With love x
It's not luck → it's a success-driven mindset + action | Founder, Mindset Expert & Business Strategist for women & founders | 1:1 Coaching, Workshops & Motivational Talks | ??? It's Not Luck podcast host
1 年Cultivating a culture of vulnerability is SO important (albeit not easy)! What I've seen to be most successful is when leaders & managers embrace this first, as a way of setting the example and then encouraging others to do the same.
Founder - Beanstalk LeadershipAcssociates
5 年So I agree that we need more managers that lead from the heart but I really struggle with the idea of this being vulnerable. Open, accessible, empathetic, risk taking....I'm sure there are many other words I could describe to good leaders. When I think of the word vulnerable I think of a person who is at the mercy of another person or situation that is potentially harmful to them - perhaps it is the field of work I am in (children's social care) but I do wonder if the word vulnerable could turn off managers to what I think is a really insightful view of the characteristics good managers do have.
Regulatory Partner and COLP, RIAA Barker Gillette (UK) LLP; Former Chair, Taxation Disciplinary Board; Member, Tribunal Procedure Committee; Lay Panellist, Teaching Regulation Agency
5 年Excellent article as always Claire. You know what you are talking about!
AI in Marketing | Humans + AI > Just Humans or just AI. AI won’t take your job, someone using AI will. Worked with the Fortune 100 and recorded podcasts with James Clear, Gary Vee, Neil Patel, Sean Ellis & Chris Do.
5 年Emotional intelligence which would include things like vulnerability and compassion are in my opinion the most important personality traits of a great leader!
?? I help female leaders overcome Imposter Syndrome and build the Mindset & Skillset for leadership success ?? So you can feel calm, confident, capable & respected ?? Coach | Trainer | Speaker
5 年So important to be vulnerable! Great article Claire ??