Leadership Essentials: Vulnerability

10 ways to make vulnerability your leadership superpower

With all due respect to Brene Brown and the other leadership gurus I've read over the years, vulnerability gets a bad rap in leadership circles. But the truth is, vulnerability is a leadership superpower, and it’s time we embrace it. Let's talk about the nuances of leadership and how qualities like openness, authenticity, and approachability can transform your team and your impact. Join me as we explore these modern leadership principles that help create an environment where growth and innovation thrive.

1. Embracing Vulnerability and Autonomy

There’s real strength in vulnerability. If you need convincing, check out Brene Brown’s TED Talk that’s racked up over 63.5 million views. Giving your team autonomy can feel risky, especially when things get tough. Most leaders default to managing every detail to stay in control. But the real magic happens when you trust your team to solve problems and reach goals on their own. Encourage autonomy, allowing space for creativity and individuality to flourish. That’s where innovation lives.

2. Trust through Transparency

Trust is the foundation of every strong team. And transparency? That’s the glue holding it all together. Keep communication open and honest, not just when things are going great, but especially when they aren’t. Transparent communication is about respect for your team’s intelligence and their ability to handle the truth.

3. Proper Resourcing as a Shared Value

You can’t set big goals and then not provide the resources to make them happen. That’s setting your team up for failure. Advocating for the right resources shows your commitment to fairness and support. Ask your team what they need to succeed, and if you can’t give them those resources, be real about whether your goals are fair. Supporting your team starts with listening to them.

4. Goal Setting with Shared Vision

A shared vision isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the guidepost that keeps everyone aligned. Set goals collaboratively, and make sure success metrics are clear. Does everyone on your team know the big-picture goals and how their work fits into achieving them? If not, fix that. When everyone understands how they contribute to the greater mission, that’s when true momentum builds.

5. Communication as a Bond

Communication isn’t just about words; it’s the thread that ties a team together. Open channels for dialogue are crucial. If you have an open-door policy, make sure it’s real. Don’t sit back and wait for your team to come to you; meet them where they are. Show them that at every level, their voices matter.

6. Personal Connections with Team Members

The best teams are built on real connections. Take the time to understand what’s important to your people. Know their skills, their goals, and the strengths they bring to the table beyond just their job description. Care about them as individuals, not just as employees. That kind of genuine connection creates resilience and loyalty.

7. Honest Feedback as a Growth Catalyst

Growth thrives on honest feedback. It’s not always easy, and you might hear things you don’t want to. But embracing those hard truths is how you grow as a leader and build trust within your team. Open, candid conversations create a culture where everyone has the space to improve.

8. Nurturing Transparency

Transparency isn’t just a leadership tactic; it’s a way of life. It’s about getting out from behind your desk and connecting with your team in real, meaningful ways. This isn’t about all-hands meetings or staged events—it’s about showing up for those one-on-one conversations, skip-level meetings, and truly listening to what your people are saying. Lead by being present and engaged.

9. Objectivity Anchored in Values

When it comes to performance evaluations, objectivity is everything. Celebrate your team’s achievements and address challenges with fairness. Be aware of how authentic the people around you are because your team will know if someone’s just playing the game. Real loyalty is quiet, consistent, and comes from those who work for the mission, not for ego points.

10. Vulnerability of Responsibility Plus Authority

Leadership isn’t just about delegating tasks; it’s about empowering your people to make decisions and own their work. Handing out responsibilities without the authority to act creates frustration and inefficiency. Give your team the tools and the trust they need to steer the ship confidently. That’s how you avoid the pitfalls of disengagement and confusion.

Ready to Make Vulnerability Your Superpower?

I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences on these leadership principles. Let’s make openness, authenticity, and approachability the new norm in our leadership journeys. Vulnerability isn’t a weakness—it’s a superpower that creates real, lasting connections with your team. Let’s lead with courage, together.