Vulnerability vs. “vulnerability”

True vulnerability in leadership is powerful.

It’s a force that catalyzes connection, support, and impact.

There’s a lot of talk about the importance of vulnerability, especially for leaders. Humans crave connection, belonging, and being seen and understood. People also WANT to help and be of service. At our essence, people are fundamentally good, caring, and supportive.

Seeing true Vulnerability marshals these human tendencies. It's why we hold our breath watching an animal be rescued, take great care with infants who aren't our own, reach out to help someone who's slipping, or respond to a heartfelt plea from a friend or a stranger.

BUT, sharing the facts of a hard moment or experience doesn't necessarily elicit support or tenderness. Why? It's emotionally flat. There's an energetic sense of feeling repelled or at the very least not invited into the other's experience. When we ask for help or support from a place of resentment, transaction, defensiveness, or closed off/"I'm fine" energy, our requests may go unanswered.

I'm not advocating for oversharing or emotional dumping.

Instead, I'm speaking about the softer, honest, heartfelt truth. This may require you to slow down, connecting inward to touch the space that feels vulnerable or raw, and then speak or write what there is to say from your essence.

As you do this more and more, you’ll notice that people respond with openheartedness, a desire to pitch in and support, and reciprocity. Good luck out there! 💕