Vulnerability An Inescapable Human Trait – Make it a Strength
When we have worked so hard to achieve credibility and position and influence and power it can feel deeply threatening to reveal our human vulnerabilities. It’s necessary, though, and can actually put us in a much stronger position than trying to pretend we’re never wrong, never uncertain, and never make mistakes.
In her wonderful book Iron Butterflies, our friend Birute Regine discovered the most successful leaders were not afraid to reveal their vulnerability. In fact, they converted this human characteristic into strengths to help their companies.
She gives some wonderful examples from politics of women who have tried to pretend they are not vulnerable, with disastrous results.
Vulnerability Management: Required Course for Leaders?
How you deal with vulnerability has a lot to do with defining your character and leadership style. If leaders and managers deny their vulnerability, what does that say about their effectiveness and ability to learn from mistakes?