Another counter intuitive piece of advice – find the power in being vulnerable – and how to do it safely.
Projecting power with “machismo,” “the stiff upper lip,” high-power, commanding presence, and so on, is nothing new. Nothing wrong with power, if it does not go toxic. The point here is that there is power in vulnerability. Vulnerability makes you human, relatable, and open opportunities or options. Projecting raw power, often, leaves little room for disagreement and nuance, it is very certain of itself, independent, and imposing. Vulnerability is not for all occasions, it needs skill to apply or it can backfire and make you look weak, irrelevant, o…..
Confession, to a priest, is probably the oldest formal form of vulnerability. In that case the power was acceptance, absolution, forgiveness, removal of guilt. More commonly we admit to friends what we struggle with, or we pay professionals to listen to our secrets. But where is the place for vulnerability in a professional environment.
In work, just like in other areas of life, vulnerability is the gateway to opportunity and growth. The opposite is control and certainty, which are illusions. Acknowledging fears, acknowledging the need for expertise, ideas, or help are the necessary conditions for collaboration, team building, shared vision, and commitment. Allowing for some vulnerability allows others to step up.
There are dangers to being an overly vulnerable as a leader or organization. Oversharing, for example can result in uncertainty, dis-engagement, and being taken advantage of. Even with the dangers it is important to ensure there are structures for vulnerability with an organization. The best places to start include: retrospectives, 1:1 meetings, leadership planning meetings, etc.
