The Power of Vulnerable Leadership

Many believe leadership assumes or means leaders have all the answers. Like many executives, I thought showing vulnerability would undermine my authority and effectiveness as a leader. However, a powerful insight from Brené Brown's research shows an entirely different perspective: connection—the very thing we seek as leaders—requires vulnerability.

Think about the leaders who've most influenced your life. Chances are, they weren't the ones who maintained a perfect facade. They were the ones who showed up authentically, who admitted when they didn't have all the answers, and who shared their challenges alongside their victories. These leaders understood something fundamental about human nature: we connect through our shared humanity, not our pretense of perfection.