Why Good Leaders Need Strength And Vulnerability

Being a leader doesn’t mean you have all the answers or always need to be the unshakeable figure some expect you to be. Blending strength with vulnerability is a delicate combination - but if you get it right it works, and your colleagues will respect you for it.

Transparency

When your team sees you challenged but handling it with grace, they can actually feel more inspired and reassured. They see you’re human, you’re facing challenges head on, they’re ready and willing to?face any obstacle with you.

But if you act like everything’s fine and ignore the elephant in the room - the uncertainty, the challenges - then they will notice and start to wonder if you’re really on top of things or just out of touch. It’s a fine line, balancing strength and vulnerability, showing your team that you’re stable yet open, firm yet flexible.

Genuinely connect

To achieve this let’s look at engagement first. Don’t hide behind emails or closed doors. Get out there, have those face-to-face conversations, even if they’re virtual. Show your team you’re listening, that you’re aware of their concerns.? When you genuinely make an effort to connect with your teams instead of doing it to tick a box, a foundation is built that’s stronger than any strategy document.

Breathe

In terms of emotional stability, find what grounds you - maybe it’s a quick walk, a bit of deep breathing, or even just a moment of silence before tackling the chaos of the day. You must find time for this - consider organising walking meetings with your collegues (you’ll see the benefits to everyone quite quickly!). If you’re calm and composed, your team will follow suit. If you’re frazzled, well, they’ll pick up on that too.

Lean on others

And here’s a big one - sharing the load. You don’t have to do it all alone.. Surround yourself with a network of advisors, mentors, peers - people you can bounce ideas off, vent to, and draw strength from. A problem shared is a problem halved, so sometimes just talking things through can give you a new perspective on the situation and relieve some of the pressure.? As a leader, it's crucial to leverage the strengths and knowledge of your team. Encourage open communication and create an environment where team members feel comfortable seeking help and offering assistance. This not only builds trust but also enhances the team’s ability to self-organise and tackle challenges more effectively.

Get real

When it comes to leading by example - You must be transparent about the challenges as well as the steps you’re taking to tackle them. When you are being real, showing resilience, and taking responsibility, it is this kind of authenticity that can inspire and motivate your team like nothing else.

Lonely at the top

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room - the loneliness of leadership. It’s real, it’s tough, and sometimes it feels like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. But here’s the truth - vulnerability makes you relatable,human, and it can bring your team closer together.

Let me share a quick story. I was in the middle of a project crisis – strict deadlines, intense client demands, and stress levels through the roof. I could have slapped on a brave face, pretended I had it all under control, but instead, I chose honesty and told my team exactly what was happening, admitted I didn’t have all the answers, but shared my plan and my confidence in their abilities to get through this time together. We brainstormed, we problem-solved, delivered and we came out the other side more resilient and cohesive.

You don’t need to have all the answers to lead through uncertainty. Focus on guiding your team with confidence, transparency and empathy. By working together you can find solutions even when the path isn't clear.