Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness
Leaders who are comfortable with vulnerability also tend to have high emotional intelligence. This begins with self-awareness. When you feel stressed, frustrated, or overwhelmed, acknowledging those emotions is the first step toward responding with composure, rather than defensiveness.
Being honest about your feelings and limitations not only increases your self-awareness but also builds emotional intelligence. For instance, saying “I’m feeling overwhelmed by this deadline” allows others to understand what you’re going through and opens the door for collaboration. It’s an act of vulnerability that invites others to support you, and it encourages a team-oriented mindset.
Vulnerability also involves empathy. When a leader shows vulnerability, it signals that they respect their team’s experiences and struggles. It creates an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their challenges. This sense of shared humanity fosters deep trust and stronger team relationships.
How Can Leaders Practice Vulnerability?
Embracing vulnerability is a skill that can be developed. Here are a few tips to help you practice it:
- Start small: You don’t have to reveal everything at once. Begin by admitting minor mistakes or saying “I don’t know” when you’re unsure. These small acts of openness will gradually help you become more comfortable with vulnerability.
- Own your mistakes: When you make a mistake, acknowledge it and share what you’ve learned. This builds trust and shows your team that mistakes are opportunities for growth, not something to hide.
- Ask for feedback: Make it a habit to ask your team for input and truly listen to their responses. When someone offers constructive feedback, thank them and take action on it when appropriate. This shows you value their perspective and fosters a culture of trust.
- Lead by example: Your team looks to you for guidance. By openly sharing your challenges and listening to their feedback, you set the tone for openness and honesty. Over time, this creates a culture where vulnerability is seen as a strength, not a weakness.
In leadership, it often takes more courage to be vulnerable than to maintain a facade of perfection. That facade may feel safe, but it creates distance between you and your team. True strength in leadership comes from admitting struggles and learning from them.
Since my own experience with vulnerability, I’ve seen many leaders who embrace it achieve better results and build stronger, more engaged teams.
When people feel that they can be honest without judgment, they are more willing to contribute and perform at their best.
Today’s most effective leaders are those who are not afraid to show their human side. By admitting challenges and working through them together with your team, you build a foundation of trust that drives success.