Leading With Vulnerability: how attorneys become humane

When we imagine a lawyer, we typically think of a strong figure. Weakness is not among the traits we assign to them. They are always stoic, professional, and visibly unperturbed in the ideal scenario.

However, in this imagery, we have failed to realize one thing – lawyers are human too! And every human has their high and low points.

At times, they will be weak and vulnerable. In contrast to this traditional conception of a lawyer, new-age lawyers and leaders bring vulnerability to the workplace. In law, leading with vulnerability is often understated.

Leading with vulnerability: what does it mean?

There’s no one answer to this question. Every person experiences vulnerability in different ways and for various reasons. However, there are some general characteristics that vulnerability typically has: it is open, honest, and courageous.

When we think of vulnerability as a leadership trait, these qualities come into play. Openness means sharing your feelings and emotions with your team, positive or negative.

Honesty means being authentic – telling them the truth as you see it without sugarcoating anything. And courage means taking risks even if they might feel uncomfortable or risky at first glance.

All of these qualities are important for lawyers because they help build trust. Once your team trusts you, they’re more likely to open up to you and share their ideas. And when they do that, they can see themselves in a new light – as capable creators instead of just followers.

Why is vulnerability important in leadership?

Vulnerability is an essential component of leadership. It is vital because it allows us to see ourselves as exactly who we are, without the titles and the duties. It brings out the humane side of the professional. It allows us to connect with others, build trust, and open up.

Both lawyers and leaders must be vulnerable at times in a strong relationship – it’s a two-way street! When we’re vulnerable, we’re more likely to be open to others and share our thoughts and feelings. Ultimately, this creates a stronger leadership team.

However, lawyers and leaders are more likely than the rest to hesitate in being vulnerable. Primarily due to the misunderstanding of vulnerability as a weakness. Additionally, due to the stigma attached to it, people are not comfortable with accepting vulnerability.

Nothing is stopping us from being vulnerable – it simply takes some patience and courage on our part. As long as we are sincere in our desire to build trust with others, we’ll eventually be able to reveal our softer side. We do not have to let go of everything and expose ourselves to the world. Instead, it is about accepting harsh realities and using that as a moment to build again.

Leadership includes being vulnerable. This involves taking risks, showing your vulnerabilities to others, and allowing them to see your vulnerabilities to build trust and relationships. By being vulnerable, lawyers and leaders can build relationships of trust, which are essential for effective leadership. In addition, being vulnerable allows lawyers to identify and solve problems more effectively. So, if you want to learn more about leading effectively, explore more here!