Let’s challenge a myth that’s still holding too many leaders back:
*You’re supposed to have it all figured out.
*Always confident. Always certain. Always strong.
Here’s the truth:
Pretending to have it all together doesn’t build trust—it builds walls.
As Brené Brown says:
“Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.”
When you, as a leader, share your struggles and learning moments (without oversharing or dumping), you humanize yourself. You create space for connection, honesty, and trust.
And here’s the kicker: It’s not just the right thing to do—it’s smart business.
💡Why Vulnerability Fuels Performance
- According to a 2023 report by McKinsey & Company, organizations with strong trust cultures—where leaders are transparent and human—experience 47% higher productivity and 50% greater employee engagement.
- Vulnerability isn’t about weakness; it’s about creating a space where people can take risks, share ideas, and grow together. That’s where innovation and retention thrive.
- One of my clients, a founder scaling a startup, used to think vulnerability would make him look weak. But when he shared his biggest challenge with his leadership team—without pretending he had all the answers—the team rallied. They solved the problem faster than he could have alone, and the culture shifted from fear-driven to collaborative and energized.
🛠️ How to Lead with Vulnerability (the Brené Way)
✅ Model it safely. Vulnerability is clarity. Share a challenge in service of connection and growth, not as an emotional dump.
✅ Create permission. Your willingness to be real gives others the green light to share, deepening loyalty and engagement.
✅ Foster resilience. When your team sees that even you—the leader—struggle and learn, they stop fearing failure and start embracing growth.
✅ Remember: Clear is Kind. Be honest about what you’re sharing and what you need from your team. Transparency builds trust.
✅ Anchor it to outcomes. Vulnerability isn’t “soft.” It drives business performance, productivity, and loyalty.
🔥 Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs and Leaders:
✔ Vulnerability doesn’t erode credibility—it builds connection and trust.
✔ Your team learns more from your real moments than your polished highlights.
✔ Leadership is about presence, courage, and clarity—not perfection.
🎯 Your 5-Minute Leadership Challenge:
Before your next meeting, think of one challenge or learning you can share. Frame it with clarity and purpose. Then, open the door for your team to contribute ideas or reflections. Watch how the room shifts.
👀Final Thought
Vulnerability isn’t a liability—it’s an asset. When you lead with courage, clarity, and connection, you create the space for trust, innovation, and performance to thrive.
You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to be real.
If you’re ready to build a culture where trust fuels growth, let’s have a conversation. Together, we’ll turn vulnerability into your competitive edge.
With heart,
Todd
