Vulnerability: The Key to Inclusive Leadership

Vulnerability In Leadership Starts With Self-Reflection

We talk about vulnerability being a key attribute of great leaders. But what does this really mean? The power of vulnerability in leadership is never better exhibited than when leaders bring tough conversations into the workplace. Fearing saying the wrong thing or making a mistake when it comes to DEI paralyzes many leaders into inaction.

In order to shift DEI awareness to action, leaders must turn reflection inward and address the unconscious biases they hold. On the other hand, vulnerability requires a level of honest self-reflection. It’s a learning process to approach complex DEI conversations without the fear of making a mistake.

Vulnerability and transparency are what are needed in today’s diverse corporate landscape. Leaders I’ve seen do this well have taken steps to grow personally, with a commitment to having those difficult conversations and making necessary changes. They create a safe place to share these discussions with their larger organization and listen to different ideas on difficult topics.

They know that change isn’t a one-and-done conversation and are dedicated to creating opportunities to help their team grow. And perhaps most importantly, these leaders acknowledge that they too won’t always get it right and actively look for guidance from others.

Looking For Guidance In The Right Places?

Bottom line: Leaders need guidance to help them redefine their leadership commitment in today’s ever-changing corporate landscape. Look around the room; does everyone look just like you?

Hiring the right executive partner to consult on your DEI programs and policies is imperative in 2022 and beyond. But first, leaders must start with examining their unintended unconscious bias within their workplace, among employees and holistically in the world.

Before projecting DEI initiatives outward, leadership must turn reflection inward and address any unconscious biases they hold. Anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion education is a marathon, not a sprint.

It’s taking the responsibility of leaders to assess where they are; ask for help and surround themselves with the right support. DEI is a lifelong commitment to practicing and implementing, not just preaching.

Inclusive Leaders Practice Vulnerability

Carl Shawn Watkins the thought leader on vulnerability, describes vulnerability as “uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure.” For me, it is about letting go of control, not knowing what the outcome will be, and leaning into the discomfort nonetheless.

Vulnerability is often at odds with how we define leadership. Traditional leadership is soaked in stoicism, being the expert, and having all the answers. Inclusive leadership is a shift from that outdated and unhelpful model. It’s more about putting yourself out there and being a full human at work.??

Vulnerability draws people to you like magnets...Carl Shawn Watkins

Think about the people in your life you choose to spend time with, that you want to follow, that you want to be more like. Brainstorm the top five attributes of those people. I will guarantee you trust, honesty, respect, listening, and authenticity will come through on that list. All of those things are the heartbeat of vulnerability.?

The benefits of being a vulnerable leader include improving trust with others, being able to talk about hard things, solve hard problems as a team, and fostering more genuine connections with human beings. This is perhaps the biggest competitive advantage a team could have.

Vulnerability based leadership creates space for everyone to feel like they can be their full selves at work. Authentic. Vulnerable.

Partner with me to begin your journey.

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The?Vulnerability in Leadership Newsletter?is a bi-weekly LinkedIn newsletter designed to stimulate critical and relevant dialogue that centers around topics of Vulnerability in Leadership.?This newsletter is curated by Carl Shawn Watkins, CEO Carl Shawn Watkins Consulting who is a writer, educator, coach, speaker, and culture consultant. ?If you are seeking guidance and consultation around diversity, equity, and inclusion and vulnerability leadership in your workplace, visit the website to learn more about services that can be tailored to your specific needs.?