It is an Open (Up) and (Get) Close case.

“Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it's having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.” Vulnerability can often be confused with being open about secrets and life, but in contrast, it signifies letting your guard down and portraying your genuine self to the team. A leader who is honest about their vulnerabilities not only makes the best of their kind but brings a change in the mindset of their team. 

Do you recollect a day when everyone seemed super annoying and ignorant? Those are the days when leaders must be super patient with not just others, but more importantly, with themselves. As pointed out by Berene Brown, an expert in the field of social connection with ten years of experience in vulnerability and leadership… If all her work can be summarized into one sentence, it is that vulnerability and authenticity between you and your employees is what is going to help you in building deeper and personal relationships with them.

Consider your areas of weakness.

Arianna Huffington, co-founder of The Huffington Post, shared her personal story of burnout and the collapse she experienced from exhaustion. In a vulnerable moment, she admitted that despite her outward success, her health and well-being were suffering. By openly discussing her struggles, Huffington not only redefined her own leadership style but also created a brand centered on vulnerability, balance, and holistic success. Your self-doubts begin to lose some influence over your thoughts and behavior once you start reflecting on them.

Face your fearful thoughts

Leaders should ideally take care of their mood and themselves before they can do something effective at work. Only temporarily can vulnerability be avoided; after that, it usually manifests itself in your behavior. The ability to admit and value your vulnerability is necessary for effective functioning because nobody wants their work or team to suffer.

Possibility of Practice

According to DDI’s Global Leadership Forecast 2023, employees are 5.3 times more likely to trust their leaders if they regularly show vulnerability. Moreover, employees were 7.5 times more likely to trust leaders who genuinely acknowledge their own failures and shortcomings. People get stuck in negative loops because of a single negative event simply because they cannot forgive themselves for what they are going through right now. So let yourself know that it’s fine to be withdrawn and non-performing today, you can always have a crack at it again soon. 

Impact on Leadership

Bunker (1997) in a paper found that leaders who can have adaptive and healthy emotional responses and can assess their vulnerability can provide better mentorship. When a leader is vulnerable, they are better able to provide emotional space for themselves and for their employees, creating space for growth and vulnerability for everyone around them.

One of our favorite Indian Corporate leaders and a celebrated shark (in Shark Tank India), Edelweiss AMC CEO Ms. Radhika Gupta has been very candid about how accepting her imperfections and being open about it has made her not just more authentic with her team but also with her clients who have trusted her with their life savings!

Star Mindset

Adopting a mindset of vulnerability means recognizing that true strength lies in authenticity. Star Leaders who are open about their imperfections inspire others to strive for continuous improvement and mutual support.

3 Immediately Applicable Action Steps

1. Make time for balance: Spend some time every day taking care of the other areas of your life. That's a gift to yourself that will make your day off to a wonderful start.
2. Reframe rejection: If you do receive a rejection, take your time to make a comeback. It's a good idea to reflect on it and say, "Okay, there's something I can look at, improve, and adapt."
3. Strategically use the words "yes" and "no’: Say "no" to the chores that do not matter and concentrate on the tasks that are most important to you that you want to do in a specific amount of time.

Conclusion

The courage to be vulnerable is not about winning or losing, it’s about the courage to show up when you can’t predict or control the outcome. Leadership and vulnerability are not mutually exclusive; they are complementary. By embracing vulnerability, leaders can unlock deeper connections, drive innovation, and foster a more trusting and dynamic workplace. Remember, the strongest leaders are those who aren’t afraid to show their humanity. #BeTheSTAR

Author: Vishwachetan is the Chief Operating Officer at Ecom Express Limited, India's largest 3PL E-commerce logistics company by pin-code reach.

Disclaimer - The views expressed in this article are Vishwachetan’s alone and do not reflect the views of his employer.

Co-Author: Coach Vikram is a renowned Executive Presence Coach, specializing in helping CXOs and senior leaders harness the power of authenticity and vulnerability to make a lasting impact, Vikram empowers leaders to make informed decisions, improve team dynamics, and elevate their leadership presence. Connect with him to elevate your executive presence skills and transform your leadership journey.

References

• What Bosses Gain by Being Vulnerable. (2018, March 12). Harvard Business Review. 
• DDI’s Global Leadership Forecast 2023
• Murphy, M. (2020, October 29). Great Leaders Show Vulnerability, But Here’s How To Do It Without Seeming Weak, Forbes.
• Why vulnerability connects leaders more than spreadsheets | Mint Lounge (livemint.com)

#Leadership #ExecutivePresence #Vulnerability #Influence