Vulnerability in Leadership: Your Superpower to Build Trust and Drive Engagement

Gallup defines employee engagement as "the involvement and enthusiasm of employees in their work and workplace" Reference

Implementing trust-building and engagement strategies within teams can significantly enhance employee well-being and organizational performance. According to Gallup's research:

• 41% lower absenteeism: Engaged employees are more present and committed to their work.
• 24% less turnover: Organizations with high engagement retain more talent, reducing recruitment and training costs.
• 17% higher productivity: Engaged teams are more efficient and effective in their roles.
• 21% higher profitability: Increased engagement correlates with better financial outcomes.

These findings highlight the power of engagement in improving employee happiness, reducing sickness, driving retention, and boosting key performance indicators (KPIs).

References:

• Gallup. State of the Global Workplace: 2023 Report. Published 2023. Source
• Gallup. The Relationship Between Employee Engagement and Organizational Outcomes: 2022 Meta-Analysis. Published 2022. Source

There you have it! Some statistics and facts around why it's vital, to build trust and drive engagement within your business. If you are still reading, thank you and it's great to have you here. Let's get into the details around this:

This may surprise you, especially if you’ve been taught to think of vulnerability as a weakness. But here’s the truth: Vulnerability, when embraced, is one of the most powerful tools in leadership.

In this newsletter edition, I want to share one of the key lessons from my journey: "It’s okay to ask for help."

Why Vulnerability Works in Leadership

Early in my career, I thought leadership meant having all the answers. I avoided admitting when I didn’t know something, worried it might make me look weak. But I quickly learned that vulnerability wasn’t a liability—it was a strength.

Here’s why:

1?? It Builds Trust: Your team sees you as human and approachable, making it easier to connect.

2?? It Sparks Creativity: Collaboration thrives when leaders create an open space for ideas and feedback.

3?? It Fosters Engagement: People feel more invested in decisions they’ve helped shape, leading to stronger results.

A Personal Story: My Shift to Vulnerability

There was a point in my career when I realized I was holding my team back. I was trying to do too much on my own, afraid to admit I needed help.

One day, I made a decision to change. I opened up to my team about the challenges I was facing and asked for their input. The results were incredible—not only did they step up with fresh ideas, but they also became more engaged and invested in our shared goals.

By letting go of the fear of "not having it all together," I empowered both myself and my team.

Practical Steps to Implement Vulnerability in Leadership

Want to start using vulnerability as your superpower? Here are three easy ways to begin:

1?? Start Small: At your next team meeting, share a challenge you’re working through and ask for input. Show your team their voice matters.

2?? Ask for Feedback: Create a safe space for your team to share how you can improve as a leader. This builds mutual trust.

3?? Celebrate Contributions: When a team member's idea drives success, acknowledge it publicly. Recognition reinforces engagement and creativity.

Why This Matters for Your Bottom Line

Vulnerability isn’t just about personal connection—it’s a smart business strategy. Studies show that highly engaged teams are 21% more profitable than disengaged ones (Gallup). When leaders embrace vulnerability, they create an environment where employees thrive, and the company benefits. So why don't we do this? some do, but A LOT DON'T! And I know this from personal experience.

People crave purpose and meaning in their work. They want to be recognized, valued, and celebrated for their unique strengths and contributions. This is the Human Way - Spencer Littlewood

Your Challenge

Think about your leadership style. How can you use vulnerability to strengthen your team? Drop me a reply and let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Thank you for engaging, please comment your thoughts and share with someone who you know will benefit from this.

Remember that, Kindness Leads, Success Follows

Spencer Littlewood

What’s Next? ??

? The Journey of an Entrepreneur events Presents: Hustle for Your Well-Being Join us on December 11th at Yuncture for an inspiring event where I’ll be delivering my talk on Vulnerability is Your Superpower and moderating an incredible discussion with thought leaders who are passionate about wellness and success. ?? Get your tickets here!

?? Let’s Talk! Interested in exploring how vulnerability and leadership can transform your workplace? Book a call with me to discuss how we can work together to implement a science-driven method to help you create a thriving, people-centred business. ??Let's Make Change, Book a Call Today!

?? Coming Soon: The Sub Leader Channel Get ready for authentic conversations on leadership, embracing vulnerabilities, and overcoming life’s challenges. Interviewing some of the industry leaders and game changers. We’ll be sharing real stories, actionable strategies, and how the community can help us rise stronger together. Stay tuned for updates!