Why Vulnerability Isn't Weakness

For years, leadership meant having all the answers.

Projecting confidence. Never showing doubt. Keeping your struggles to yourself.

But here's what research — and experience — keeps showing: vulnerability isn't weakness.

It's the foundation of trust.

When leaders admit they don't have all the answers, something shifts. People stop performing certainty and start solving problems together.

When leaders acknowledge their mistakes, it gives others permission to take risks and learn from failure.

When leaders share their struggles — appropriately, not over-sharing — it creates connection instead of distance.

This doesn't mean sharing every insecurity or dumping your problems on your team.

Strategic vulnerability is different from emotional dumping.

Strategic vulnerability means:

→ Saying "I don't know" when you don't

→ Admitting "I was wrong" when you were

→ Asking for help when you need it

→ Sharing what you're working on, not just what you've mastered

The paradox is powerful: showing that you're human makes people trust you more, not less.

Perfection is intimidating. Humanity is relatable.

Where might your team benefit from seeing more of your humanity?