Embracing Vulnerability as a Leader | Michael Brian Cotter

9/29/22, 2:21 PM

Embracing Vulnerability as a Leader | Michael Brian Cotter | Professional Overview

a Embracing Vulnerability as a Leader

by Michael Brian Cotter | Sep 29, 2022 | Business, Business Development, Entrepreneurship, Michael Brian Cotter, Professional

If you’re in a leadership position, you’re most likely always trying to better yourself. One great way that’s often overlooked is practicing and embracing vulnerability in your leadership practices. Being vulnerable in leadership is seen in practices such as being open and honest with your emotions or simply paying attention to your workers around you. Below are some ways that you can embrace vulnerability as a leader.

Learn how to set boundaries This might sound contradictory, but actually, setting boundaries and keeping to them is essential to becoming a more vulnerable leader. Staying professional while being vulnerable is important because, at the end of the day, you’re still at work.

For example, you could be dealing with some personal issues at home, and it’s affecting how you’re working in the office. You could be vulnerable and let them know that you’re dealing with a personal

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9/29/22, 2:21 PM

Embracing Vulnerability as a Leader | Michael Brian Cotter | Professional Overview

issue to let them know that you’re not distracted by them. However, taking your emotions out on them, or talking about it excessively, is not the way to go.

Engage in active listening Being vulnerable is about listening to others as much as sharing your thoughts and feelings. Active listening is something that can be incredibly beneficial for you, as it helps you get a better understanding of what your team is dealing with. Listening to the people around you and really processing what’s going on can help you begin to problem solve with them. You don’t always have to be the loudest voice in the room– sometimes, people just need someone to talk to.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help As a leader, you might be under the impression that you have to have all of the answers, that you’re the boss who knows everything and can deal with anything that comes your way. On the contrary, that’s not true at all. You’re a person, just like everyone else, and you’re not always going to have the answers to every question, problem, and situation you’re dealing with.

A sign of a good leader is their ability to recognize that they need help. This shows that you have an innate understanding of your team and the workload that’s been assigned to them. Getting support can be incredibly beneficial to you and your team because you may realize that with a little bit of help, you can reduce potential delays, move your projects ahead of schedule, and take a load off of your workers.

Vulnerability in leadership is an incredibly important skill to have. Some people may see it as unnecessary, but it’s paramount to your leadership success. Whether you’re setting boundaries, listening to your colleagues, or asking for help, embracing vulnerability will only positively impact your team as a whole.

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9/29/22, 2:21 PM

Embracing Vulnerability as a Leader | Michael Brian Cotter | Professional Overview

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