Why does vulnerability have such a bad rap in the workplace? Some view vulnerability as a weakness and there are often negative connotations towards expressing emotions or admitting mistakes. But rather than leaving yourself open and exposed, vulnerability offers a sense of authenticity that can strengthen relationships and well-being.
Barriers to vulnerability
Showing vulnerability is not easy, particularly when you have grown up in an environment where it was discouraged or if there are personal barriers you’ve built over the years to shield emotions.
There are additional barriers in the workplace that often prevent leaders and employees from being their true selves. Why? We believe that admitting to a mistake or weakness could result in being overlooked for promotion or ‘babied’ by others who don’t want to cause harm.
However, everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and vulnerability is far from a weakness. As stated by Yvonne Timson, Community Vision Australia Chief Executive Officer (CEO), “You have to be open to the fact that you could be wrong or there could be something better”.
How can you become more vulnerable?
It’s easy to tell someone else to ‘be more vulnerable’ without fully understanding the reasons why they hide their emotions. If you struggle with emotional vulnerability, or you know someone at work who likes to emotionally deflect, there are several steps you can take, including these three.
1. Show yourself compassion
Too often we are our own worst critic. But it’s essential to show yourself compassion when times are tough. Recognise where you gave a task your all, acknowledge when you are upset and accept the feelings that come with it. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help or support if that is a challenge.
2. Encourage self-expression
A major obstacle to being vulnerable is blocking emotions. We like to mask our feelings, especially in the workplace, to avoid showing signs of weakness. However, that perceived weakness can help you grow. When you are feeling uncertain or emotionally strained, encourage yourself to speak up and express your thoughts to others. They can and will help you.
3. Surround yourself with supportive peers
Most importantly, surround yourself with people who are compassionate and are there to support you. It may take time to build relationships you deem strong enough to feel comfortable sharing, but those positive workplace relationships make all the difference.
What are the workplace benefits?
Regardless of your seniority, by showing vulnerability in the workplace you can inspire others and build increased trust for yourself. It’s one way to build stronger relationships and achieve unified success. Here’s why you should embrace vulnerability at work.
1. Increased trust
Vulnerability and trust go hand-in-hand. If you can lead by example when expressing your emotions, your peers will develop increased trust in you both professionally and personally. Think of it like a positive trust cycle: by showing your authenticity and vulnerability, trust grows, allowing others to express more raw emotions in a safe and constructive space.
2. Team strength
The strongest teams rely on each other. Through honesty, vulnerability and acceptance of responsibility, you’re designing a tight-knit team environment where mistakes are okay and no one is criticised for their feelings. Additionally, vulnerability is accepted and not discouraged. So through your leadership, others will see they should accept vulnerability and they may challenge their own perceptions.
3. Authenticity and transparency
Authenticity can be surprisingly hard to find in the workplace. But employees love an authentic leader who is true to themselves and encourages others to be the same. If you’re willing to lay bare your emotions, trust, openness, accountability and integrity will follow. These traits are among the most important for a strong leader.
4. Continuous growth
Vulnerability is more than just expressing emotions; it’s all about opening yourself up to new opportunities and solutions. Acknowledging your own mistakes means you can look for new ways to improve in the workplace. It’s a positive learning experience, not a negative one, and it will allow you to step up and make ongoing meaningful contributions to your team and workplace.
5. Shared inspiration
Sometimes it takes one person to speak up and inspire others. This person could be you. Sharing your vulnerability is a perfect way to encourage others to do the same. And with countless learning opportunities available, there are endless ways to benefit from vulnerability in the workplace.
