Throughout my life, I have found that vulnerability can be one of the most challenging practices to embrace, especially in a career setting. Brené Brown once wrote in her book Dare to Lead, “In terms of our social development, embracing vulnerability allows us to both experience our emotions authentically and be empathetic, enabling us to connect with others.”
So why does it feel so hard to share those moments and mistakes that help us grow into who we are? As an executive career coach, I’d love to unpack this further for all you Trailblazing women to see how we can make even the smallest micro-adjustments to start practicing vulnerability in our daily lives.
How do we embrace vulnerability?
I believe vulnerability starts with the realization of two main things. First off, we aren’t perfect. And secondly, chances are other women in the room are going through the exact same thing we are. With these two truths as a baseline, consider the following tips that I have found helpful to create and encourage vulnerability.
- We all make mistakes, so let’s own them. Mistakes create awareness and space for areas of growth and learning, which speaks against the normalized culture of perfectionism. I love to call this “experiential learning.” I joke that I often have to do something the wrong way, or the hard way, to really learn how to do it the right way! We can allow ourselves and others to share our mistakes while pushing them toward their best selves with a growth mindset. This is what I love so much about our Trailblazers community. We embrace one another for who we are and love the imperfections!
- Now, here’s a tough one for many of us. Why not put yourself in situations where you feel vulnerable to slowly build your confidence and allow you to embrace your true self? Maybe start small. Think about a setting where you can practice being vulnerable where the stakes aren’t so high – maybe start in a volunteer position and then move your skills to the boardroom! Ease into it to build that muscle memory.
- I also love asking others (and myself) open-ended questions. This practice opens our minds to new ways of thinking and can help us “shine a light” on what might be holding us back in our careers and life. Sometimes, when you say something that you’re afraid of out loud or ask others to say it, it often sounds silly. You may soon realize that you might be putting up your own unnecessary barriers. Embrace this fear and let the magic happen! Again, others around you might be experiencing the same thing!
- Finally, letting my values guide me is very helpful. It’s my litmus test for saying “yes” or “no” to certain things and allows me to remember my “why.”
Remember, it’s a journey, not a sprint! Give one of these tips a try today and see what happens.
The benefits of vulnerability in the workplace and relationally
Vulnerability is a force that enhances both our relationships and professional lives. It allows for deeper connections to be built on a foundation of trust, openness and belonging. By sharing our true selves, we build a supportive network where mutual understanding and empathy thrive. I know that this is especially crucial for women leaders, who often face unique challenges in the workplace. Our Colorado women’s retreats and one-on-one business coaching and consulting for women executives and entrepreneurs embrace vulnerability by creating a safe place for women to share. Without being vulnerable we put up walls, preventing us from creating genuine connections and understanding others on a deeper level.
Vulnerability in the workplace
In the workplace, vulnerability can often be seen as a weakness, and female leaders, somewhere along the line, were taught NOT to show it. Toxic work cultures taught us to simply make it happen and shove any emotion under the rug. However, vulnerable leaders allow for a more productive and positive work environment.
In fact, a Forbes study shows that “if an employee believes their company openly shares the challenges facing it, that employee is about 10 times more likely to recommend it as a great employer.” This approach makes team members feel heard, valued and understood. When team members know they can share their ideas without fearing rejection, it allows them to take risks and think outside the box. A vulnerable environment also produces the following benefits:
- Vulnerability allows for teams to build deep relationships and experience authentic leadership with a human, not a robot. It lets everyone see what others are working through and allows for more empathy.
- Embracing vulnerability in leadership creates a culture where a mistake can be an opportunity to grow and thrive. By removing the pressure of perfection, leaders create an environment that strives for excellence while allowing room for learning and improvement.
- Shifting the environment and allowing people to see who you truly are encourages others to do the same. Vulnerability creates a supportive network where both empathy and mutual understanding thrive.
By embracing vulnerability in the workplace, we see positive changes in our teams and support networks, allowing individuals and our organizations to flourish.
Vulnerability in relationships
Vulnerability is the foundation of genuine connection. When we allow ourselves to be truly seen by those closest to us, we allow for a deeper and more meaningful connection. This is a scary process, but there are many benefits of vulnerability in relationships.
- Vulnerability allows for a sense of belonging. If you can establish how to be vulnerable with others, you can push your boundaries and enjoy a better sense of connection with others.
- Vulnerability also promotes empathy. We grow closer to others when we learn more about them and relate to their troubles. You cannot make these connections unless someone chooses to be vulnerable first.
- Vulnerability shows trust with the people you are sharing with. When you take steps to be vulnerable, you are opening spaces for your relationship to grow and flourish.
Overall, openness doesn’t just bring us closer to others. It invites them to share their stories too, building those genuine connections we all crave. Sure, it can be tough to drop our walls, but when we do, we create a sense of belonging and a tight-knit community. I have seen first-hand the impact of community in our women’s retreats, how the openness with like-minded women allows for deeper connections, a shared sense of purpose and a support system when you hit the trail.
Final thoughts
I encourage each of you to embrace vulnerability throughout your life, professionally and personally, because you deserve to have meaningful connections. It’s not about showing up as perfect in the world but about allowing yourself to be real and open while inviting others to do the same.
Your story can inspire and empower those around you to embrace vulnerability and the power of change that comes with it. As a female executive business coach with WildRock Trailblazers, I have seen firsthand how embracing vulnerability can foster meaningful connections that blend work and life. I invite you to explore our network of one-on-one business coaching and consulting and our premium Colorado women’s retreats, where we can cultivate a supportive space for women to connect, learn and grow together.
Here’s to talking about the hard stuff and making meaningful connections. You’ve got this!