Vulnerability and authenticity are two words gaining significant attention in leadership circles. These words, once associated with weakness, now serve as key traits of a successful leader. Leaders exist at all levels of a corporation, and many job seekers are stepping into leadership roles. So, it’s important for any candidate considering a job to understand the role authentic leadership should play in their career.
Employees want to work for value-driven companies, and these values are shaped from the top down. Authentic leaders discipline themselves to overcome setbacks, admit mistakes, and persevere through tough times. This balance of discipline and authenticity fosters trust, showing that true leadership comes from example, not just position. When leaders embrace vulnerability, they create a culture of resilience and genuine connection.
Here are seven ways leaders can show more vulnerability and authenticity in the workplace:
- Be Open About Not Having All the Answers
Strong leaders don’t pretend to have all the answers. When leaders admit they don’t know something, they foster trust and demonstrate that they value honesty over empty assurances. It also encourages a culture of learning and collaboration rather than perfectionism. Leaders must let their guard down and acknowledge when they don’t have all the answers. This level of transparency creates trust, as employees know their leaders won’t just tell them what they want to hear.
- Show Some Fear
The phrase “fearless leader” can be misleading. Fearlessness doesn’t mean the absence of fear – it means having the courage and bravery to press forward despite it. Leaders who acknowledge their fears without being consumed by them demonstrate resilience, which can inspire and motivate their teams.
- Get Personal
Vulnerability helps build meaningful connections. Leaders who want to foster strong relationships with their teams must get to know employees personally. Of course, maintaining professional boundaries is important, but employees appreciate knowing who they work for. Being overly private or distant can give the wrong impression and suggest a lack of emotional intelligence, a significant drawback in leadership.
- Ask for Help
Some leaders hesitate to ask for help, fearing it may be seen as a weakness. However, this approach rarely is practical in finding a solution – no matter the size of the issue. Being open about needing assistance encourages collaboration and shows others that you’re human and need help with certain things, just like everyone else. As a leader, you may be used to people seeking your guidance, but allowing others to help can be just as rewarding for them. So, if you need support, don’t hesitate to ask – your team will likely appreciate the chance to step up.
- Admit When You’ve Made a Mistake
Admitting mistakes is difficult for most people and can be even more challenging for leaders. The desire to maintain credibility within the organization can make admitting mistakes feel risky. However, great leaders aren’t defined by never making mistakes but by their willingness to learn from them. Those who achieve success do so by embracing their mistakes and using them as opportunities for growth. The more you embrace this philosophy and instill it in your employees, the more admiration and loyalty you’ll earn.
- Become a Mentor
Authentic leaders don’t just manage; they mentor. Leaders can create a culture where employees feel supported in their professional growth by sharing experiences, lessons learned from previous mistakes, and even uncertainties. A strong mentorship dynamic allows for open conversations, which leads to trust and deeper connections within the organization. When employees see that their leaders genuinely invest in their development – not just their output – they become more engaged and committed.
- Consider Professional Coaching
Sometimes, leaders need to work on their personal and professional growth. This is where professional coaching can play a pivotal role. Experts provide personalized guidance to help leaders recognize their strengths, tackle challenges, and grow authentically. These services offer tailored strategies for real growth, whether it’s helping to refine leadership styles, improve communication skills, or overcome personal obstacles. By working with a professional coach, leaders can gain the self-awareness and confidence necessary to lead authentically and vulnerably.
Lead with an Authentic and Vulnerable Mindset
Leadership isn’t confined to formal titles or positions. Every employee leads in their own sphere of influence, whether mentoring colleagues, championing new ideas, or simply modeling excellence in their daily work. As leadership is increasingly distributed throughout an organization, employees at all levels have opportunities to step forward and guide initiatives that align with their strengths and passions.
Whether personal or professional, no one is immune to struggles. And leaders at every level are no exception. Most people appreciate seeing that their colleagues and managers are human, just like everyone else, proving you don’t have to be superhuman to achieve workplace success. No one is perfect, and we shouldn’t expect leaders, formal or informal, to be either.
When leaders connect authentically with their teams, they inspire greater trust and confidence. Imagine the benefits of a workplace where leadership thrives on authenticity, vulnerability, and learning from setbacks.
