Creating an optimal working environment

I find it surprising that there are still leaders, and those who aspire to be leaders, who see themselves as superheroes and are reticent towards showing vulnerability in the workplace. It’s understandable that they don’t want to reveal weakness of any kind, given that’s how many of us have been conditioned over the years. However, I’m glad to see that this is shifting in the business world today.

As a society, we are realising that no one person has all the answers and how, in fact, it can be damaging to assume that they do. Leaders and teams can achieve so much more through working inclusively and not being afraid of inclusive leadership, especially when we embrace a degree of vulnerability. This creates an environment of trust and a higher level of connection that is crucial to an organisation’s ongoing success.

In many years of corporate coaching and working to build successful teams, I have found that vulnerability in the workplace is vital. This takes a certain level of humility, (which doesn’t come naturally to everyone!) but it helps in creating a very positive culture within the organisation. We all develop our leadership style from observing those that we’ve worked with over the course of our careers, so just imagine how it might have felt to have had someone senior be open about not having the answer and then going on to ask us what we think might be the best thing to do. Inspiring? Motivating? Relief that we can reach the dizzy heights of leadership without having to pretend we have all of the answers?

These are just some of the reasons why I believe “We don’t need superhero leadership anymore”.

Instead, we need to develop more collaborative leadership models. This is why I specialise in supporting teams to become more self-aware and to have a greater understanding of their collective strengths and  weaknesses. This creates an optimal working environment where everyone has the confidence to contribute and to be themselves. You might hear this referred to as ‘psychological safety’ and it is essential to build high performing teams.

Every team must be able to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses both individually and collectively. If we're honest about where our vulnerabilities lie, then we can target our development. Each team member needs to open up to their colleagues as this is what builds trust. It also strengthens relationships and provides opportunities to strengthen the skills within your team. So, vulnerability in the workplace and trust overlap to a large extent creating connection

The power of vulnerability in the workplace

Fostering vulnerability in the workplace can be transformational. Researcher/Storyteller, Brené Brown indicates the extent to which this is possible in a TedTalk that continues to inspire millions. In the video below she shares that in order for connection to happen, we have to allow ourselves to be seen.

However this can be a challenge for many of us due to ‘a fear of disconnection’. Brené observes that we all suffer from a degree of universal shame, underpinned by a feeling of ‘I am not good enough’ and this is what hinders vulnerability in the workplace. However, this is something that can be overcome especially through the process of coaching.

Courage, Compassion and Connection

In her research Brené has discovered that successful leaders had two major similarities. Firstly, they believe they are worthy, she says and secondly, they embrace vulnerability.

To quickly paraphrase her findings, Brené concludes that a deeper sense of worthiness can impact your life in three ways:

 1.     You will have the courage to be imperfect;

2.     You will have the compassion to be kind to yourself first, so you can treat others kindly; and

3.     You will have greater connection with others as a result of authenticity.

 So, I would encourage you to see vulnerability as a strength, not a weakness. As Brené says, “Successful leaders believe that what makes them vulnerable also makes them beautiful. They are willing to let go of who they think they should be in order to be who they are and that is essential for connection.”

Sarah

If you would like to discuss how you can build vulnerability in the workplace, around these themes of courage, compassion and connection, please email me at sarah.parr@sirise.co.uk. You may also be interested in my Stepping Up To Leadership Programme.