4 Important Reasons Business Leaders Should Embrace Vulnerability

There are many experiences in life where we experience vulnerability. Whether it’s taking a chance on moving to a new city with the help of Black Tie Moving, starting a new career, or beginning a new relationship. People usually fear vulnerability, and this especially rings true for business leaders, as they have a lot on the line to lose. Yet, what if we told you that vulnerability isn’t such a bad thing in business leadership? In fact, what if we told you that it could be considered positive?

We’re getting into 4 important reasons business leaders should embrace vulnerability.

What is Vulnerability?                      

Vulnerability can be described in many ways. Dictionary.com describes vulnerability as “openness or susceptibility to attack or harm.” Yet, what does this mean for a business leader? If you think about it, we are always susceptible to the unpredictability of life. Instead of fearing this fact, it’s important for business leaders to accept and work with it. Otherwise, they run the risk of leading through the lens of fear, which no successful business leader does.

So, let’s get into how embracing vulnerability can help you to be a better business leader.

Vulnerability Opens the Door to Possibilities

As we know now, being vulnerable essentially means you’re taking a chance on something that you don’t know for sure what the outcome will be. The truth is that every new opportunity comes from a place that didn’t exist before. It manifests only by allowing yourself to be accepting and trust things that you aren’t certain of, as you’ve never experienced them before. As a business leader, embrace vulnerability, and step into the unknown – this is how you’ll open the door to innovation, growth, and creativity.

Vulnerability Builds Trust

When you think of vulnerability, you probably associate it with trust. You don’t want to be vulnerable because you don’t trust someone or something. Ironically, being vulnerable actually has the potential to build trust – both with yourself and others. When you’re vulnerable, and things work out in a positive way, you begin to trust a little more. Without vulnerability, you’ll always close the door to people, ideas, and things. You’ll lead from a place of distrust, and in turn, you’ll never be able to open up with yourself or others. Leading from a place of distrust can be incredibly damaging to the success of your business.

Vulnerability Strengthens Relationships

We mentioned how vulnerability helps to build trust with others, and this is why it should come as no surprise that it also helps to strengthen relationships. You may have a team member who has an idea for the business that you aren’t sure of, but if you allow yourself to be vulnerable – to trust and believe in them – their idea has the potential to completely positively transform your business. Not only is this a good thing for your company and team, but it also shows your team that you believe in them. Team members who feel respected, valued, and understood are much more likely to perform better.