Vulnerability is a crucial algorithm for good leadership

There are many definitions of the word “leader.” But what does it mean to be a good leader?

How do good leaders guide their teams?

Many ask what characteristics constitute good leadership. Different people will answer this question in myriad ways.

Many observers believe exhibiting vulnerability is counterintuitive or even antithetical to one’s status as a good leader. However, we found that What role does vulnerability play in good leadership?

Vulnerability may seem counterintuitive to the concept of leadership—it often feels like combining oil and water. But when authentically embraced, vulnerability enhances and strengthens one’s position as a good leader in an ever-changing world where both business and life move at the speed of light.

At its core, vulnerability is about expressing who you really are in words and behavior. Definitionally, vulnerability is another way of expressing and taking responsibility for our own personal and professional authenticity.

Our ability to be our authentic selves empowers each of us to allow our vulnerability to shine bright and illuminates our strengths as good leaders.

Some might define vulnerability as being weak or passive.

However, vulnerability actually empowers leaders to admit things that are true, which also creates and enhances transparency.

Vulnerability is a principle inherent in leadership

Vulnerability works simultaneously with the ability to lead collaboratively and strategically; operate with flexibility and accountability; and be honest, a good communicator and listener, and display consistency.

People get nervous about vulnerability because they don't understand that being vulnerable doesn't mean you are completely transparent and talk about everything with everyone.

You need to cultivate vulnerability with boundaries: You need to know what to share, where to share and at what level to share.

That makes you a better leader because it makes you more human and  empathic to your employees, but many people don't understand that.

Some think, "I've tried this once and it went really bad, so I'm never going to show my emotions again. I just have to suck it up, because I’m at work." That is wrong.

It's funny, because so many leaders are good parents, so they do have these skills. As a parent or a manager, you are teaching people how to grow. Both roles require you to be empathetic, compassionate and nurturing.

But somehow, the minute you put on your professional hat, you tend to forget all of these things. Instead, you just go with whatever some leadership book said 15 years ago.

I learned so much about leadership and management from my son. He teaches me a lot every day and I learn to fine tune my approach through my interactions with him, his friends and other people.

We need to take a look at that dichotomy again and ask ourselves why we’re trying to be two different people.