No one likes to be seen as weak. Or even vulnerable.
We try to hide any sign that we might not be where we need to be.
Yet we’re consistently discovering the best way to lead is through our vulnerability.
What Is Vulnerability?
A lot of us don’t want to show any vulnerabilities. We want people to see us as strong.
So, we hide. We retreat to a safe place where no one can hurt us.
That, in itself, tells us what vulnerability is.
Vulnerability is being willing to lay yourself out there, bare and naked, so others can see who you truly are.
Your weakness is out there. Pain that you’ve felt is shared. People are able to look at you and see you. The REAL you.
This is what vulnerability is.
Why Vulnerability Is Good
Many of us think being vulnerable is a bad thing. People can hurt us and bring us down.
And that’s true. We can be brought down by our vulnerabilities. But we can also have great things happen when we’re vulnerable.
Being vulnerable opens us up like a book others can read. And when they’re reading that book, they begin to relate to us.
They see that leaders are not high and lofty. They’re human. They’re frail.
We have issues we deal with just like they do.
This is a beacon to those we lead. We call to them through our stories of failure and struggle.
They see that they’re not alone in failing. They can rise again. Failure and hurt are not final.
And then, when they fail, they learn from you that they can go on. Then they do.
Be Vulnerable
Today, I want to encourage you. Be vulnerable.
Open yourself up to the chance you might feel pain and that others may see you in pain. It’s okay.
You’re not superman. And you can’t do it all.
You need others. They need you.
There’s power in vulnerability. Be vulnerable.
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