The #1 Expression of Vulnerability
Vulnerability is an asset because it drives action. Arrogance blocks action. Proud people play it safe to protect status. Ego avoids failure to save face. Vulnerable people are humble.
Humility acts—pride reacts.
Paralysis, pride, and vulnerability:
Fear is a call to action for the vulnerable. Awareness of frailty motivates experimentation and innovation. Businesses that feel vulnerable to competition evaluate, innovate, and prepare for future challenges. The feeling of invincibility creates paralysis.
Vulnerability acknowledges imperfection. Pride stagnates because it demands perfect solutions. The difference between stagnation and breakthrough hinges on acknowledging frailties.
People who don’t have answers seek them. Arrogance knows. Humility learns.
Vulnerability is a catalyst:
Drive to change begins when we acknowledge uncertainties and imperfections. Vulnerability demands response. Vulnerable people don’t remain stuck. They address shortcomings, learn new skills, and grow.
The first thing vulnerable people do:
Humility seeks help, arrogance doesn’t need it.
The first thing to do, when you feel vulnerable, is invite people into your life. Connect with mentors and coaches. Seek insight from people with experience.
Conclusion:
We’re not vulnerable when fear of failure controls us – we’re proud. Ego seeks safe, familiar patterns. We’re vulnerable when we feel weak AND do something about it.
Vulnerable people confront limitations and grow. You’re strong when frailty is motivation to grow.
How might being vulnerable be useful to leaders?
What guiderails can you offer?
More resources:
5 Ways to Be a Vulnerable Leader
The Best Leaders Aren’t Afraid to be Vulnerable – HBR
“”Vulnerability acknowledges imperfection. Pride stagnates because it demands perfect solutions. The difference between stagnation and breakthrough hinges on acknowledging frailties.”
Wow! There is a lot here… for me, thinking in milestones on a path, as opposed to destinations, is helpful, so I’m always moving toward something. My goal posts are more dynamic and less planted. Why? ..because everything is more dynamic than I first recognize.
Powerful application, Ken. Long-term goals are good for setting a direction and understanding purpose. Short-term goals are learning opportunities.
It’s easy to forget that a dynamic world requires vulnerability – the realization that we don’t know as much as we think we know.
We say it’s a journey, but we fall in love with a destination. I appreciate your thoughtful response.
so good! I think my favorite takeaways from this one are “The feeling of invincibility creates paralysis” and “humility seeks help, arrogance doesn’t need it”. Thank you!
Thanks BL. A kind word is fuel for the journey. Cheers
Man, there is so much to unpack in this one. I have to read it slowly haha. “This isn’t working, and I’m part of it.” I love your advice about seeking out a mentor. A good friend of mine told me that I should always have a mentor, and I should always be mentoring someone else. I am going to pass this one on to the other managers and leaders here in my organization. I’m very appreciative of your daily dose of wisdom.