Vulnerability as a Strength: Leading with Openness Enhances Leadership

I had a coaching session with one of my clients this week, who was completely stressed out, and spiralling. The reason? they'd been sent the dreaded meeting invite 'go through feedback received', and the meeting wasn't for another 3 days. No context, no agenda, and most importantly no conversation.

In the world of leadership, vulnerability is often seen as a weakness, a chink in the armour of a strong leader. In reality, vulnerability is one of the greatest strengths a leader can have. My client, this very courageous leader replied and asked for context, explained that the meeting request with no details was causing them anxiety, and they wanted to be prepared for the meeting.

Leading with vulnerability means being open, authentic, and honest with your team (and your leader!). It’s about showing your human side, admitting when you don’t have all the answers, and creating an environment where trust and connection can thrive. In this case, sharing vulnerably and asking for support in the lead up to the meeting.

I wanted to share a little bit about vulnerability. And your role and responsibility as a leader to demonstrate vulnerability. In a time when everything seems curated, being able to be open, and honest is a superpower.

The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership

Vulnerability is about being real. It’s about showing up as your true self, without hiding behind a facade of perfection. In leadership, vulnerability is what allows you to connect with your team on a deeper level.

When you’re willing to be vulnerable, you create a space where others feel safe to be vulnerable too. This openness fosters trust, strengthens relationships, and creates a culture of authenticity and collaboration.

I’ve found that vulnerability is a powerful tool for building trust. When you’re honest about your challenges, your fears, and your uncertainties, you show your team that it’s okay to be human. You show them that it’s okay to ask for help, to admit mistakes, and to learn and grow together. This openness breaks down barriers and creates a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Vulnerability Enhances Grace in Leadership

Vulnerability and grace go hand in hand. When you lead with vulnerability, you lead with grace. You show that you’re not above your team, but alongside them.

You demonstrate that you’re willing to be open and honest, even when it’s uncomfortable. This kind of leadership inspires loyalty and respect, and it creates an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

Vulnerability also enhances grace by allowing you to lead with empathy. When you’re open about your own challenges, you’re better able to understand and relate to the challenges of others.

This empathy enables you to lead with compassion, to offer support when it’s needed, and to create a work environment that is both productive and positive.

How to Lead with Vulnerability

Leading with vulnerability requires courage, authenticity, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty. Here are a few strategies for incorporating vulnerability into your leadership:

Be Open About Your Challenges: Don’t be afraid to share your struggles and challenges with your team (in the context of work, not all your dirty laundry). This openness shows that you’re human, and it encourages others to be open about their own challenges as well.
Admit When You Don’t Know: It’s okay not to have all the answers. When you’re faced with uncertainty, be honest about it. Admitting that you don’t know something creates an opportunity for collaboration and problem-solving.
Ask for Help: Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. When you ask for help, you show that you value the input and expertise of your team, and you create an environment where everyone is encouraged to contribute.
Create a Safe Space for Vulnerability: Foster a culture where vulnerability is valued and encouraged. Create a safe space where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, ideas, and challenges without fear of judgment or criticism.

Vulnerability is not a weakness, it’s a strength. By leading with vulnerability, you create a culture of trust, openness, and collaboration. You inspire your team to be authentic, to take risks, and to grow together.

Embrace vulnerability in your leadership, and watch as it transforms your relationships, your team, and your ability to lead with grace.

Until next time, Eat the Frog, Get the Worm, Be the Bird and for goodness sakes put context (and preferably an agenda) into your meeting invites!

Ally x

Ally Nitschke is a best-selling Author, an award-winning Thought Leader and Speaker. She has been working with leaders and as a Leader for over 20 years.

She is on a mission to change the way we communicate at work, to lean into those uncomfortable conversations and lead with courage.

Ally is a Keynote Speaker at conferences, delivers Transformational Programs & highly engaging workshops as well as provides Executive Coaching.