#GetVulnerable

“True strength is the courage to admit our weaknesses.” -Simon Sinek

​​Leaders have all the answers, right?

Or, they’re at least expected to, right?

​no & NO!

“When you are an individual contributor, you try to have all the answers. When you are a leader, your job is to have all the questions.” — Jack Welch

One of the greatest fallacies of the heroic leadership mentality that still holds true today is the absence of vulnerability in leadership. What is leadership vulnerability?

​Leadership Vulnerability: Recognizing that we all have strengths and weaknesses, acknowledging we are what we are and what we are not, and knowing that both are ok.What Happens When We’re Not Vulnerable?

1.) We don’t grow…period.

​Effective leaders are always learning.

2.) Even more important, our teams don’t grow.

When we fail to display vulnerability we create an unachievable state or example for our team to follow. We foster a top-down, authoritative environment that strips teams of the partnership, agility, and speed necessary to meet our organizations’ ever-changing environment.

As a leader, our main goal needs to be the development and growth of our teams. Look beyond the next quarter’s earnings call or the annual bonus, and respect and honor the organization & the people that make it great! Focus on the long term. Focus on the next decade or two. Focus on the people.

The legacy you leave will not be dependent on scratching a slightly higher EPS over a short period, but rather how you develop & prepare the next group of leaders to take the reigns.

None of this is possible unless we check our egos and pride at the door and ask for help. Having the confidence — and recognition of the responsibility — to stand up in front of your team and admit vulnerability, opens the doors for tremendous growth!

High performing teams talk about what is not working as much as what is working.

If you’re looking for more on the topic of “vulnerability,” check out Brene Brown’s book, Daring Greatly. Brene does a tremendous job of walking through how to use vulnerability in our personal, parenting, and professional lives. I would consider it a must read for any leader.

Onward!

Paul