In a recent article in INC. magazine, the author mentions what researcher Brene Brown addressed at their INC. Leadership Forum in regards to vulnerability. Brown emphasizes that it doesn’t have to be negative. Rather, being vulnerable is your opportunity to be courageous enough to show who you really are. Being authentic helps your leadership branding and team building efforts.
“Vulnerability is the absolute heartbeat of innovation and creativity,” says Brown. “There can be zero innovation without vulnerability.”
As you lead your team, consider what Brown says in the quote above. What kind of environment do you want to have? One that is dysfunctional, low productivity, and low morale? Or, do you strive to have a team that is built on trust and authenticity, which breeds innovation and creativity? Good leaders are open and engaged with their team. They know how to influence each person to lead in their corner and ultimately achieve targeted goals.
So, how does leading through vulnerability make a difference? How does it get your team moving in your same direction? It humanizes you! Some followers may see you as just the boss—just someone telling them what to do— and they must complete their tasks because you’re the boss and not because of a greater purpose.
Don’t be afraid to share stories about yourself that could help people relate more easily to you. Maybe someone makes a mistake that you’ve made before? How did you recover? Let your team know that you support them. There’s nothing wrong with asking a team member to help you with something, or asking for input. That’s the kind of engagement that fosters creativity and innovation.