THIS IS WHAT LEADING WITH VULNERABILITY SOUNDS LIKE

2 weeks ago, I shared a few counter intuitive leadership skills I would tell my younger self about. The two biggest reactions I got from people around were pretty consistent.

First, I got some friendly smack about my 1998 picture. All good... I would actually love to see yours btw…😉 If you missed it, you can see it here.

Second, I got a lot of thoughts about being vulnerable as a leader. And I realized it would be useful to share a resource that can help make sense of this polarizing topic.

Yes, vulnerability in leadership is hard. And no, it does not mean sharing the same way you share with your closest friend.

As a leader, vulnerability needs to be used in a thoughtful and strategic way. It is about sharing in a way that builds trust and connection, but without hurting your professional credibility.

One tool we often recommend at LeedHR is the book Leading with Vulnerability by Jacob Morgan.

Jacob explains that vulnerability for leaders is more than sharing something personal. It is being open about what is happening while also showing that you are capable and accountable.

Vulnerability + Competence = Effective Leadership

For example:
🟠 Admitting a mistake is an act of vulnerability.
🔵 Admitting a mistake AND explaining what you learned from it, resonates differently.

The second approach shows honesty, but it also shows your competence and your growth. This is how you can use vulnerability as a leader without feeling your letting everything go or oversharing.

I am attaching the framework with a few more examples of being vulnerable versus being a vulnerable leader.

Hope this helps!

Charles Fortier