Imagine a man standing at the foot of a stage, about to ascend the steps in front of 250 employees who believe in him, trust him, and admire him. Little do they know that he carries within him one of the most negative pieces of news imaginable — news that could put all their jobs at risk. He has just returned from a global founders meeting where he received potentially devastating information, and now he must deliver it to his team.
This story sets the stage for a deeper exploration of vulnerability. In moments like these, when the weight of responsibility and the fear of disappointing others loom, vulnerability is a crucial leadership skill. Leaders can hide behind a facade, shielding their fears and insecurities, or they can embrace vulnerability and open themselves up to the truth of the situation.
Explore Leadership Training With Co-Active Now
Redefining Vulnerability as a Superpower
Vulnerability, often misunderstood as a weakness, is, in fact, a superpower that can transform relationships, foster trust, and inspire change. It is the willingness to be open, honest, and authentic — even in the face of uncertainty and discomfort. It requires courage to show up as our true selves, flaws and all, and to create spaces where others feel safe to do the same.
Returning to our story, the man about to go on stage has a decision to make. Will he choose to hide his fears and deliver the news in a way that masks his vulnerability? Or will he find the strength to be honest, open, and unguarded with his team? The answer lies in understanding the power of vulnerability in leadership and its potential to create a profound impact.
The Impact of Vulnerability on Employee Engagement
We know that employee engagement is crucial for the success of any organization. While many factors contribute to employee engagement, vulnerability is often overlooked. In the previous scenario, our CEO faced a “make or break” moment for engagement. He was teetering between delivering a well-crafted speech and throwing the script away to be transparent instead.
Is there such a thing as too much vulnerability? When does it go from being a superpower to a potential weakness? This was an important question for the CEO to consider as he prepared to go on stage.
Setting the Stage for the Leadership Skill of Vulnerability
It is wise to gauge trust and safety within a room, team, or organization before deciding to be vulnerable. In coaching terms, this is considered Level 3 listening, which involves assessing trustworthiness before opening up to people.
While vulnerability can be a powerful tool for building trust, it may not be appropriate or effective in every environment. A safe and supportive environment embracing vulnerability is valuable. However, sometimes a leader will take the risk and be courageous — because vulnerability is contagious, and somebody has to go first.
Leading by Example: The Contagious Effect of Vulnerability
Vulnerability is contagious. When people open up and share something personal, they lead by example and create a safe space for others to do the same. This shared humanity allows people to take off their masks and interact authentically. But it can feel risky.
Another essential leadership skill is admitting mistakes. When leaders own up to their shortcomings, they create psychological safety and allow others to step up and be honest about what is not working. Should the CEO in our scenario go on stage and share what he could have done better in his leadership?
Should he actively seek feedback from his team? It can be challenging to ask for feedback and examine your blind spots. In the case of this leader, he was at a pivotal moment. Leading by example and inviting feedback, he created a space where everyone could feel safe to have more courageous conversations, give him feedback, and dare to give each other feedback that could turn things around. Company resilience grows in this environment.
The Emotional Quandary: To Share or Not to Share?
The CEO felt emotional before going on stage and in the hours leading up to that moment. He wondered how vulnerable he should be in expressing emotions, knowing it might fuel motivation and inspiration for some or create barriers and disengage others. But by expressing his true feelings, he might move and inspire people — and invite emotional expression from the team.
Would he create space for new insights and energy and enable them to turn things around? Or would he lose the crowd?
Vulnerability is a leadership skill that creates powerful transformations. People are eager and hungry to shed their masks and engage in meaningful conversations but often feel they lack safe spaces. The magic happens when we design alliances and foster an atmosphere of psychological safety with our teams.
When you intentionally create an environment of psychological safety, it opens the door to emotional, authentic, and powerful conversations that lead to true change. Organizations can radically shift when people know how to tap into vulnerability as a superpower. We foster connections, drive meaningful conversations, and ultimately bring about positive transformation.
The Impact: A Story of Transformation
In this vulnerable and raw moment, the CEO revealed his feelings about the current situation. He admitted that the year had not gone well and that the company was potentially in danger. Instead of hiding his fears, he asked the 250 people in the audience to join him in turning everything around for the upcoming year.
The impact of his vulnerability was astounding. Instead of receiving strange looks or a lackluster response, the CEO received a standing ovation. The audience stood, showing their support and commitment to fighting for organizational success. Together, they were ready to fix the situation and go beyond what the founder could have imagined.
This story highlights the power of vulnerability in leadership. By embracing vulnerability and sharing his emotions and fears, the CEO created a sense of unity and trust within the team. His willingness to be open and honest allowed the team to connect with him on a deeper level.
The CEO’s transformation from a speech designed to hide his fears to one filled with vulnerability, emotion, and truth profoundly impacted his team.
Ultimately, the result underscored that vulnerability should be used as a superpower leadership skill, but with discernment and awareness of the context. Leaders must be attuned to organizational dynamics and exercise judgment in deciding when and how to be vulnerable. In doing so, they can harness the incredible leadership skill of vulnerability.
Leadership Skill Training With Co-Active
People can learn the leadership skill of vulnerability and improve it with practice. Co-Active Training Institute helps leaders develop soft and hard skills, yielding highly effective, empathetic, and skilled coaches and leaders. We have trained more than half the coaches currently active worldwide, helping them create empowering cultures in their workplaces.
Learn more about Co-Active Leadership Development today, and get ready to increase your superpower of vulnerability and transform your company culture.