Vulnerability: The bittersweet fruit

Dictionary definition of vulnerability is “the quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally”.?

Then there were also a couple of examples given as:

>You want a doctor who understands the patient's vulnerability.

>Those who organized the attacks exploited vulnerabilities in the nation's defences

In the first example, it is necessary that the doctor understands the vulnerable areas of the patient, whether it is physical ailments or mental/emotional fears, doubts etc., So the patient has to be vulnerable and not hesitate.

The second example shows it is not a good idea to expose vulnerabilities, though it is at an institutional level here.??

So it seems to be a tricky subject, to be or not to be! As an individual, I was very wary of exposing my vulnerabilities; I was, and still am, very guarded in many things. I took a bit of time to understand what it means to be vulnerable and how it is important, or even necessary.?

To quote Brene Brown, “Because true belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world, our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self-acceptance.” – Brené Brown

Sharing your feelings, thoughts, fears and everything with someone without the apprehension of those being used against you at some point, being ridiculed, or judged, or taken as weakness, is not an easy thing that comes by naturally.? We would have faced such situations where we would have regretted being vulnerable, and realized that it wasn’t the right person to trust!?

Then what is this about being vulnerable? How do we do the right thing at the right time and right place and make that a safe environment.? In a work environment, what is the value and effectiveness of being vulnerable?

When an environment assures psychological safety, the team members feel secure enough to be vulnerable with each other and the team leaders/managers. When they express themselves without fear and inhibitions, there are many advantages to this culture that is nurtured in an organization, like:

• Better connections: As people get to know each other at a fundamental level, they form stronger bonds beyond work transactions.
• Learning and development: People bare their strengths and weaknesses, and grow to complement each other.?
• Acceptance: There is greater self-acceptance, acceptance of others and scope for self-improvement among members.?
• Empathy and respect: Understanding of others’ struggles and exchange of support becomes possible.
• Feedback mechanisms: It creates a conducive environment for seeking and offering objective feedback within teams, which is an essential element for productivity and improvement.?

There is little doubt that organizations which nurture and promote a culture where the employees can be authentic, are encouraged to be self-aware and work towards self-development and camaraderie,? thrive in the long run.?