Leaders have long been expected to project unwavering authority, always having all the answers and making decisive choices.

However, a counterview is emerging: vulnerability. Often misunderstood as weakness, embracing it can actually enable you to foster trust, spark creativity, and build resilience for your company, ultimately unlocking greater potential for growth.

Strengthening relationships

One of the greatest advantages of vulnerability is its ability to help you develop relationships with employees and customers. People naturally tend to gravitate toward authenticity, so when you admit to challenges, share your personal experiences, and acknowledge mistakes, you garner more trust.

For instance, being open about your own struggles or the difficulties your organization has faced may lead employees to be less intimidated coming to you for guidance when they feel stuck. On the client side, many today are eschewing companies that hide behind a faux, polished image in favor of brands that feel more human. Give them a peek behind the curtain and commit to honesty in every interaction, and you may see their loyalty grow.

Improving workplace culture

Beyond trust, vulnerability can be a major catalyst for productivity. When you admit to the fact that you don’t always have all the answers, your team may feel more comfortable contributing ideas and taking risks since they know that they won’t be penalized for imperfection. The result is a more collaborative and innovative environment where you can all work together to try something new and solve problems, viewing missed opportunities as learning experiences.

Be careful, though, to balance vulnerability with confidence—you don’t want to overshare or appear unsure of yourself and your decisions. Rather, the goal is to be honest while also demonstrating a commitment to solutions. By adopting this mindset, you can create a business that’s adaptable, relatable, and more successful.

TAKE ACTION:
Reflect on your leadership style, and assess how embracing vulnerability may strengthen your relationships with your team and customers.