Many people might not think of vulnerability and leadership as synonymous, but to be a strong leader, you must be at least vulnerable. Vulnerable leadership can help you connect with your team, grow your business, and reach milestones that could’ve been challenging before.
So, while there are many ways to be vulnerable in the workplace, here are five to start with as you become a stronger leader for your team and business.
1. Set and Respect Boundaries
Vulnerability requires boundaries. While you should practice being a vulnerable leader, you must remember that you are still in the workplace. So, if you have an off day or week for personal reasons you wish not to share, that is okay, but you will want to communicate that with your team. You can say that you have some outside stressors that are causing you to be slower than usual and to give you grace. You can even specify for your team not to ask about specifics. Not only does this help boost communication with your team, but it also shows them that it is okay to have off days. The other side of this is respecting the boundaries of your team members.
2. Ask for Feedback Consistently
Vulnerability comes with openness. As a leader, you often hand out feedback, but if you want to become a more decisive leader for your team, it could be time to take feedback yourself. This takes a level of vulnerability as you open yourself up to constructive criticism and growth opportunities you might not have viewed otherwise. Feedback can be an ideal way to see gaps in your knowledge and where your team needs you most. However, make sure to go a step further by taking the feedback seriously and implementing strategies to improve.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
A significant way to show vulnerability as a leader is to ask for help. A lot of leaders might be defensive in this area, but asking for help is not only a great way to be vulnerable but also a great way to increase collaboration and morale in the workplace. By asking for help, you are showing those around you that it is okay to look to others for assistance, and you are giving others with the skills you might not have the opportunity to utilize them. You asking for help can benefit everyone.
4. Be Transparent About Sensitive Matters
Transparency can be an ideal way for a leader to show vulnerability. This is especially true if larger subjects, such as process changes, role adjustments, or future trends, must be discussed in the workplace. Not only that, but transparency about sensitive matters like sexism, bullying, harassment, or discrimination can help raise awareness and show your team that these are important topics that need to be addressed. If there are problems in the workplace, you don’t want to let them simmer for too long. You want to tend to them and ensure the whole business understands the importance of these issues.
5. Get to Know Your Team Members
Lastly, a simple yet effective way to show vulnerability as a leader is to get to know your team members more than their roles. This is not to say that you must become close friends with them, but by simply learning about their hobbies and interests, you can grow a stronger relationship, increasing morale and productivity. Remember, this means that you must also be open to talking about yourself. Collaboration and communication will thrive when everyone feels comfortable and close to each other.
Vulnerability can lead to many benefits in the workplace, and as a leader, it is a trait you should take seriously as you work to become stronger. If you have further questions or wish to become a better leader, contact me.