I’ve noticed a striking trend recently: an increasing number of posts on social media, especially on LinkedIn, where individuals openly embrace vulnerability. Many share stories about their challenging upbringings and how they’ve overcome or continue to overcome those obstacles. Others write about deeply personal losses that have shaped their lives. These heartfelt contributions are receiving well-deserved attention, often garnering a flood of supportive comments and likes. It’s inspiring to see people step forward with such openness, whether offering encouragement to others facing similar struggles or seeking the support they need.
This willingness to be vulnerable resonates deeply because it reminds us of the strength found in sharing our humanity. Being vulnerable engages others in a way that practical and informative sharing doesn’t do so well. It made me think deeply about my work on leadership. Just how vulnerable should you be as a leader? Here are my thoughts on being vulnerable from a higher self perspective.
Being Vulnerable Can Feel Risky
Depending on your personality type, showing you have a vulnerable side can feel quite risky. Sometimes, as a new leader, or even for more experienced leaders, you think you must be strong in adversity. It can be challenging to admit that you are sometimes overwhelmed or stressed. You might fear it’s a sign of weakness, or you might be a highly private person. If that’s you, then you might want to think about how you can demonstrate to your team that you are vulnerable without feeling weakened by it.
Vulnerability is at the heart of higher self leadership. When you show up with honesty, openness, and a willingness to be seen, you allow others to do the same. Your higher self knows you are imperfectly perfect, that this life is challenging, and that no one has all the answers.
Why Vulnerability Matters
The ability to be vulnerable matters – not just to help others or to garner support. It shows your team that you’re grounded in authenticity and connected to a higher purpose. Being vulnerable permits others to do the same, creating an environment of trust and unity.
Think about it—you create distance when you pretend to have all the answers or hide your challenges. But when you share your struggles and admit that you don’t know something, you invite connection. This is how trust is built, which is the foundation of every meaningful personal or professional relationship.
How Vulnerability Aligns with Higher Self Leadership
Higher Self Leadership is rooted in self-awareness, unity consciousness, and inspiring others. Vulnerability bridges the gap between these principles:
- Self-awareness: By embracing your imperfections, you deepen your understanding of yourself and model self-acceptance for your team.
- Unity consciousness: Vulnerability dissolves barriers, reminding everyone we’re connected and learning.
- Inspiring others: When you show courage by being vulnerable, you inspire your team to develop their courage and authenticity.
Practical Ways to Show Vulnerability
If you’re comfortable with vulnerability, you bring depth to leadership and keep going! However, if not, here are some ways you can start dipping your toe into the deep well of vulnerability.
Being vulnerable doesn’t mean oversharing or dwelling on insecurities. It doesn’t mean you have to share everything all at once. It’s about being honest and intentional. Here’s how you can practice it:
- Admit Mistakes: Share what went wrong and what you’ve learned. For example, “I misjudged the timeline for this project, and here’s how I’m adjusting moving forward.”
- Ask for Help: Show that you value the strengths and ideas of your team by asking for their input.
- Share Your Growth: Talk about times you overcame a challenge and what you did.
The Gift of Vulnerability in Leadership
You create a ripple effect when you lead with vulnerability. Being vulnerable inspires others to trust themselves, take risks, and show up authentically. You develop a culture of openness where your team feels safe to innovate and grow. Vulnerability isn’t showing weakness; it reflects your inner strength and connection to your higher nature. By leading with vulnerability, you strengthen your leadership and elevate the consciousness of those around you.
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I help leaders develop self- mastery, helping them to become confident in their own inner guidance.
I collaborate with leadership experts, managers and HR professionals to help them get their own message and unique services and products to a wide audience.