Ladies, let’s talk about something that many of us, especially those in high-powered executive roles, often sidestep: vulnerability.
In the boardrooms and C-suites where many of us find ourselves navigating which are still largely populated by men, vulnerability is still often perceived as a weakness, a chink in our formidable armor.
However, after 25 years of training and coaching C-suite leaders across six continents, I can confidently say that embracing authenticity and vulnerability is not just empowering; it can be a strength when situationally applied.
Early in my career, I believed in maintaining a strict professional facade. And it might actually have helped me when I was perceived as young and inexperienced, because I was.
But I remember one time in particular when I was working in television news and screening raw footage from the Bosnian war. I was trying to select 20 seconds to air for a voice over segment of the upcoming newscast. The footage was from a just bombed orphanage which was devastating to watch. I won’t describe what I saw, but I began to cry as I looked through the footage. Just then, an senior executive producer walked by the editing bay, saw me crying and quipped, “If you don’t toughen up, you won’t be any good for this business.”
While I didn’t have a retort for the producer at the time, I have since thought a lot about that moment and realize that it is when I wrap myself in too tough of a steel exterior that I’m no good for any business.
rue leadership goes beyond mere competence and decisiveness. It involves connecting on a human level, admitting when we don’t have all the answers, and showing our teams that it’s okay to be human.
I can also share the story of a recent coaching client, I’ll call Maria. She’s the CEO of an organization based in South America. Maria is brilliant, driven, and undeniably successful. Yet, she remained disconnected from her team. Her employees admired her, but they didn’t relate to her. She was all business, all the time. Even her direct reports perceived her as unapproachable, which stifled open communication and innovation.
During one of our sessions, I encouraged Maria to share a personal challenge she had overcome in her life. She was hesitant at first. But when she opened up about her struggles balancing motherhood with her career, something remarkable happened. I watched her expression and voice become warmer.
I asked her to use this as an ice-breaker for her next team meeting. Her team responded with empathy and support, and she noticed a shift in their engagement and willingness to share their own ideas and concerns.
This experience was a turning point for Maria. By embracing her vulnerability, she fostered a culture of openness and trust within her organization. Her leadership was no longer just about driving results; it became about inspiring and uplifting her team.
Authenticity in leadership isn’t about oversharing or divulging every personal detail. It’s about being genuine and transparent. When you’re authentic, you create an environment where others feel safe to be themselves, which enhances collaboration and creativity. Your team is more likely to take risks and innovate when they know that mistakes won’t be met with harsh judgment but viewed as learning opportunities.
Vulnerability also means being open to feedback and showing that you value others’ opinions. This was a lesson I learned the hard way. Early in my career, I was reluctant to seek feedback, fearing criticism would undermine my authority. But I soon realized that constructive feedback is a gift. It’s an opportunity to grow and improve. By welcoming feedback, you demonstrate humility and a commitment to continuous improvement, which sets a powerful example for your team.
Authentic and vulnerable leadership fosters resilience and agility. It encourages a growth mindset, where challenges are viewed as opportunities for development rather than threats.
So, how can you start embracing authenticity and vulnerability in your leadership?
- Share Your Stories: Open up about your experiences, both successes and failures. Let your team see the person behind the title.
- Seek Feedback: Create a culture where feedback is encouraged and valued. Show that you’re willing to listen and learn.
- Show Empathy: Understand and acknowledge the challenges your team members face. Offer support and encouragement.
- Be Transparent: Communicate openly about your decisions and the reasons behind them. Trust is built on honesty.
- Lead by Example: Demonstrate that it’s okay to be human. Your authenticity will inspire others to be their true selves.
As top-level female executives and entrepreneurs, we have the power to redefine leadership and inspire others to follow our lead. Embrace your authenticity, celebrate your vulnerability, and watch your leadership soar.