We recently reviewed at article by the team at Mc Kinsey’s about the ‘Power Of Vulnerability’. How do you feel about that as an idea when we mention vulnerability. What response does that generate in you? Take a moment to be a little curious with us….
In the ever-evolving landscape of Leadership, the attributes that define great leaders are being reshaped. While financial acumen, resilience, and operational excellence remain crucial, the intangible and often overlooked quality of vulnerability is emerging as a cornerstone for building trust, fostering authentic connections, and amplifying leadership impact.
A Shift in Leadership Norms
In the past, iconic leaders like Jack Welch and Lee Iacocca epitomized a hard-nosed approach to Leadership—commanding authority, making tough decisions, and rarely showing cracks in their armour! Today, however, employees and stakeholders—particularly millennials—demand something different. They crave authenticity and leaders who can share their human side, including their vulnerabilities.
This shift has created challenges for Leaders who have long been conditioned to have all the answers. Vulnerability, along with traits like humility and selflessness, often feels like foreign territory. Yet, research and countless leadership stories underscore its importance in creating a culture of trust and collaboration.
The Courage to Be Vulnerable
To lead vulnerably is not to abandon strength or decisiveness but to complement these with openness and emotional authenticity. It requires moving from a mindset of ‘proving’ to one of ‘improving’, where personal growth and genuine relationships take precedence over managing perceptions. Vulnerability means:
Taking risks without guarantees of success.
Allowing yourself to be seen fully—flaws and all.
Engaging with others’ perspectives, even when they challenge your own.
This shift is no small feat, but it’s transformative. Vulnerable leaders create environments where trust thrives, and trust is the foundation upon which successful teams are built.
Why Vulnerability Matters
Patrick Lencioni tells us that the most significant barrier to effective teamwork is a lack of trust. Leaders who embrace vulnerability signal that it’s safe for others to do the same, encouraging openness, innovation, and stronger interpersonal connections. As Brené Brown, an authority on the subject, says, ‘Vulnerability is power. When wielded thoughtfully, it becomes a leader’s superpower. See her great cartoon on Vulnerability here.
Navigating Triggers and Emotional Reactions
Leaders, like everyone, have triggers—moments that provoke emotional responses tied to past experiences. Whether it’s a difficult team member, critical feedback, or a challenging board meeting, these moments can prompt reactive behaviours that hinder decision-making.
Take the example of a new CEO who felt compelled to correct a board member at every meeting. Through self-reflection, she discovered this need stemmed from a childhood pattern of always needing to be ‘right.’ Recognizing her trigger allowed her to shift her approach, fostering more constructive and creative dialogue with her board.
Awareness of such triggers enables leaders to respond thoughtfully rather than reflexively, redirecting emotional energy toward positive outcomes.
Vulnerability in Action: Lessons from Leaders
Real-life examples demonstrate the profound impact of vulnerability on leadership success:
- Reeta Roy, CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, exemplifies vulnerability through her openness to learning from mistakes. When her organization misaligned with a community’s needs, she acknowledged the error, adjusted the approach, and built stronger trust with stakeholders.
- Michael Fisher, former CEO of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, faced the challenge of sharing his cancer diagnosis. His transparent communications—balancing vulnerability with reassurance—strengthened trust and inspired his team.
- A manufacturing CEO overcame a lifelong pattern of avoiding confrontation by exploring the root of his behaviour. Vulnerability enabled him to address a toxic relative on his leadership team, ultimately benefiting the company and his own growth.
These stories highlight how vulnerability, when embraced thoughtfully, fosters respect, inspires loyalty, and strengthens organizations.
The ‘To Be’ List: A Roadmap for Authentic Leadership
Leaders often rely on detailed ‘to-do’ lists to manage tasks and priorities. But what about a ‘to be’ list? This tool encourages leaders to reflect on how they show up every day. Are they approachable, empathetic, and open, or distant and rigid? A to-be list focuses on embodying the values and behaviours that define authentic leadership.
For example:
– Be open to feedback.
– Be patient during challenging discussions.
– Be empathetic toward others’ perspectives.
– Be reflective when faced with emotional triggers.
Such intentionality fosters self-awareness and ensures that a leader’s actions align with their core values.
Vulnerability as a Strength
The concept of vulnerability often carries the misconception of weakness. In truth, it takes courage and strength to confront one’s fears and be fully seen. Vulnerable leaders inspire others not because they are flawless but because they are real. They are relatable, approachable, and authentic—qualities that motivate teams and foster innovation.
As today’s leadership paradigm evolves, vulnerability isn’t just a soft skill; it’s a strategic imperative. Leaders who embrace it create cultures where trust flourishes, and people thrive.
So, ask yourself: Are you ready to tap into the power of vulnerability?
Read the full article here: Link
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