Last week I shared that leveraging hot takes in your leadership practice could become your new super power. This week we begin exploring some of today’s leadership related hot takes. Queue up vulnerability and this week’s hot take – vulnerability is the new leadership strength.

Some argue that a great leader isn’t just about projecting authority but also about being vulnerable and open about their shortcomings. As a leader, I believe that admitting mistakes and showing vulnerability can build trust and connection within my circle of influence and please let me tell you why. 

It fosters cultures where authenticity is valued. There is less tolerance for leaders who project a false aura of invincibility. Vulnerability helps leaders come across as genuine and authentic. Absolutely no one wants to feel like they are being gaslighted. 

It encourages openness. When leaders open up about self-doubt or mistakes, it signals to others it’s safe to be open and honest as well. This nurtures environments where transparency becomes the standard.

It builds trust. By exposing weaknesses and shortcomings, vulnerable leaders prove they trust others which builds reciprocal trust throughout the ecosystem. And seriously, if you don’t have trust within your organization, Houston there’s a problem.  

It’s relatable. Showing vulnerability helps leaders seem more approachable, human, and connectable. People are more likely to connect with those who embrace their own imperfections. 

It inspires loyalty. When leaders dare to reveal insecurities, their team members are more likely to rally around them and offer support. It boosts empathy and loyalty amongst the team. I remember when I took on a challenge to align organizational processes with complex, disconnected technical terrains. As a project leader, I did not know what I did not know. I shared this exact statement with the tech team, and asked for their guidance and mentoring to ramp up my understanding. They were incredibly patient and went out of their way to ensure I had a full grasp of the technical issues. Ultimately, our team fixed something broken that others before us had deemed impossible to resolve. 

It strengthens relationships. Vulnerability forges deeper personal connections and understanding that transactional relationships lack. To this day, years later, I still count many of those whom I’ve had the great pleasure of teaming with as friends and colleagues. And while we’ve moved on professionally, through the miracle of social networks, we are still connected. 

It models risk-taking. Leaders who take the risk of being vulnerable set an example of daring behavior for others to follow. As Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx said, “It’s important to be willing to make mistakes. The worst thing that can happen is you become memorable.”

It facilitates learning. By opening up about missteps, leaders encourage others to share mistakes and enable better learning. Standing in your truth can be messy, but remove the person or people from the equation and chase the processes that led you there. Embrace a continuous improvement mindset and see what you uncover. 

It signals confidence. Leaders who are comfortable with vulnerability demonstrate emotional strength and confidence in their abilities. It can model the way for others to step into their own personal power as well. 

Bottom line all y’all, taking your vulnerability out for a walk in the bright light of day with witnesses present requires confidence, self-awareness, and intrinsic strength. I believe doing so enables authentic connections, inspires trust, and invites meaning into our lives. 

“The great leaders are not the strongest, they are the ones who are honest about their weaknesses,” says Simon Sinek, one of the foremost leadership expert and thought leader of our time. 

So, is vulnerability the new leadership strength? Your thoughts are welcomed.