Leadership has long been associated with strength, confidence, and decisiveness. Yet, some of the most effective leaders demonstrate a quality that may seem counterintuitive: vulnerability. The ability to show vulnerability is not a sign of weakness, it is a profound act of courage that builds trust, deepens connections, and fosters high-performing teams.

Why Vulnerability Matters in Leadership

Dr. Brené Brown, a leading researcher on vulnerability, defines it as "uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure." For leaders, this means being willing to acknowledge mistakes, admit when they don’t have all the answers, and open up about challenges. Rather than diminishing credibility, vulnerability humanises leaders and strengthens their relationships with their teams.

Google’s Project Aristotle, a study on what makes teams successful, found that psychological safety—the ability to take risks without fear of punishment—was the most critical factor in high-performing teams. Leaders who show vulnerability help create this safety, making it easier for others to be open, take initiative, and contribute their best work.

The Benefits of Vulnerability in Leadership

Building Trust and Authenticity When leaders are open about their struggles and uncertainties, they create an environment of honesty and authenticity. Employees are more likely to trust leaders who demonstrate their humanity rather than those who present an infallible façade.
Encouraging Innovation and Learning A leader who acknowledges their own learning journey fosters a culture where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth rather than failures to be punished. This mindset is crucial for innovation and continuous improvement.
Strengthening Team Engagement and Collaboration When leaders share their experiences, including setbacks, team members feel empowered to do the same. This strengthens relationships, encourages collaboration, and enhances team cohesion.
Enhancing Emotional Intelligence and Empathy Leaders who embrace vulnerability demonstrate self-awareness and empathy. These qualities improve communication, conflict resolution, and the overall emotional climate of an organisation.

How to Show Vulnerability as a Leader

Admit When You Don’t Have All the Answers: Saying “I don’t know, but let’s figure it out together” fosters collective problem-solving and engagement.
Share Personal Experiences: Relating a past challenge or mistake and how you overcame it can inspire and reassure your team.
Ask for Feedback and Input: Inviting others to share their thoughts shows humility and a willingness to learn.
Own Your Mistakes: Acknowledging errors and taking responsibility models accountability and integrity.
Express Gratitude and Appreciation: Recognising the contributions of others reinforces trust and psychological safety.

Leading with Courage and Authenticity

Vulnerability in leadership is not about oversharing or being weak; it is about being open, authentic, and courageous. When leaders embrace vulnerability, they create workplaces where trust, learning, and collaboration thrive. In turn, this leads to stronger teams, better decision-making, and more resilient organisations.

The most impactful leaders understand that strength is not about having all the answers, it’s about having the courage to show up, be real, and lead with authenticity.

Are you ready to embrace vulnerability in your leadership?